Mauricio Pochettino backs youth as the United States begin a new chapter, naming 13 uncapped players in a 28-man squad for upcoming friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada.
The team is the first to come out from Pochettino since securing his contract with the US to lead them to the World Cup 2030. The Argentinean boss has made a major change to the senior squad, dropping some senior players and looking to try out some younger talent in the international free period.
The most prominent missing name is Christian Pulisic, who recently got his first taste of action for AC Milan. The forward had a bone bruise and microfracture in his lower leg during the World Cup. Striker Folarin Balogun is also missing.
Pochettino emphasized that the decision was made with regard to the players he has to assess at the moment, and not their reputation, as well as their previous form.
One of the most notable features is the impressive 16-year-old MLS career of Cavan Sullivan, who is getting his first Senior Selection for the club. Sullivan has had six goals and 11 assists in 23 regular-season games this season. The youngster deserves the chance, Pochettino said, and the camp is an opportunity to help him grow as a player as he vied for a spot in the national team.
The coach’s style is accompanied by a heavy schedule of international trips coming up. Pochettino will have the Gold Cup, Olympics and World Cup in his future, but in 2027, 2028 and 2030 respectively.
The Americans start their friendly schedule with a game against Peru on Sept. 26 in Orlando before meeting Chile Sept. 29 in St. Louis. Then they face Mexico in Glendale Oct. 3 followed by Canada on Oct. 6 in St. Paul. As the United States moves into a new era of competition and opportunity, the message is loud and clear for Pochettino: successes from the past do not mean they will be chosen.
