Pochettino Names 28-Man USMNT Squad Featuring 13 Uncapped Prospects

U.S. Soccer has named Mauricio Pochettino’s first squad of the new World Cup cycle, selecting 28 players and handing call-ups to 13 uncapped prospects. The newcomers have an average age of 19 years and six months as the United States shifts from immediate World Cup selection to longer-term development.

Pochettino has made clear that the four-year road to 2030 demands a wider player pool. The head coach wants young players exposed to senior international football, with the Olympic Games in two years also part of the federation’s planning.

“It is now a different process to build the roster,” Pochettino said. “The idea is not only to perform today, but to help these young kids become more mature and experienced.”

Quick facts

• Pochettino has called up 28 players for the new U.S. cycle.
• Thirteen members of the group are yet to win a senior cap.
• The uncapped contingent averages 19 years and six months old.
• Thirteen players featured in the United States’ World Cup squad this summer.
• Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun are absent through injury issues.

Sixteen-year-old Sullivan is the headline inclusion. The teenager has translated his growing reputation into goals and assists this season, earning a first chance to train with the senior national side.

Pochettino said Sullivan’s invitation is based on performance, not attention around the player. The coach added that the youngster needs a strong support structure as he continues to develop physically and mentally.

“He deserves the praise because he is performing well,” Pochettino said. “He gives assists, he scores goals, and he is 16. But he is still a kid and needs to improve, evolve and become more mature.”

The camp gives Sullivan a first test at senior international level, with the longer objective to prepare elite young talent for 2030 rather than demand immediate finished-product performances.

Pulisic will not be involved after recently returning from injury and making his first club appearance of the season. With four matches scheduled across two weeks, the decision avoids putting further strain on the forward after his recovery.

His absence means he cannot yet answer lingering criticism following the United States’ disappointing World Cup. Pulisic will instead have to rebuild fitness and make his case in a later window.

“The World Cup is in four years,” Pochettino said. “We need to work with different objectives and goals. This is the best roster we can design for this camp.”

Musah earns route back

Yunus Musah has returned after more than 18 months away from the national-team picture. The 23-year-old had difficult spells at Milan and during a loan at Atalanta, but his recent contributions for Milan have put him back in contention.

Pochettino said Musah’s improved form since the start of the season prompted the recall. The coach stressed that playing regular club minutes alone is not enough; players must also meet the required performance level.

“Yunus is still young,” Pochettino said. “He was not involved in the last World Cup, but he is now performing in the way that we expect. That is why we called him again.”

Several established names remain in the group, including Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Sergino Dest and Matt Freese. They are among the 13 players retained from the summer’s World Cup squad.

Tim Ream is another notable case. The defender is 38 and may not be part of the next cycle, although Pochettino has not made a decision public and Ream has said he remains available for international selection.

World Cup players Matt Turner, Max Arfsten, Mark McKenzie, Joe Scally, Cristian Roldan, Brenden Aaronson, Tim Weah and Alejandro Zendejas have not been selected for this camp.

Pochettino insisted those omissions do not close the door. He described the squad announcement as a fresh start, with every player able to return through club form.

“The door is open for everyone,” he said. “It is a new cycle and a fresh start. This is the group we consider best for this period.”

Albert gets an early look

Seventeen-year-old Albert is the most inexperienced player in the squad and could play more senior minutes for the United States during this camp than he has for his club. Even so, Pochettino has opted to bring him in for a closer evaluation.

Unlike Sullivan, Neil Pierre and Adri Mehmeti, Albert has not yet built his case primarily through senior on-field output. His involvement reflects the faith shown in him by Borussia Dortmund, where he has been around the first team despite his age.

The call-up is an opportunity to learn alongside senior internationals and show whether his considerable potential can become a larger role for both club and country.