Mauricio Pochettino is due to name his first United States squad since the World Cup on Thursday, September 17, 2026, and the roster is expected to carry significant changes. U.S. Soccer has confirmed that the head coach will unveil a 26-player group for the upcoming friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada, with the announcement expected at approximately 11:00 a.m. ET according to reports from U.S. media outlets.
The headline development concerns Christian Pulisic. Doug McIntyre reported on Fox Sports that Pochettino has decided not to call up the USMNT’s biggest star of recent years, citing multiple sources. “Christian Pulisic will not be on the first call-up list for the United States men’s national soccer team for the 2030 World Cup cycle, according to what several sources told me,” McIntyre said.
Fitness does not appear to be the explanation. Pulisic has already recovered from his latest injury and got minutes with AC Milan last weekend, leaving him available for selection. That has led some to speculate that the decision could be linked to the tense relationship between coach and player in the past, which is said not to have been completely resolved at the World Cup. Fox Sports also recalled that Pochettino had never previously excluded a fully fit Pulisic since taking over as United States coach two years ago. Whether the omission is confirmed, and if so whether it is temporary or permanent, remains to be seen, set against the possibility of a changing of the guard in the USMNT ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
What appears clearer is that the moment has arrived for Cavan Sullivan. The 16-year-old Philadelphia Union youngster, who has a pre-agreement with Manchester City to move to the Premier League when he comes of age, is expected to be included. ESPN was first to report that Sullivan will have the chance to become the youngest player in the 113-year history of the U.S. men’s programme since Freddy Adu set the record in 2006. Fox Sports noted that while Pulisic’s absence is surprising, Sullivan’s inclusion is not, despite his young age.
Another young player who appears set to be on the list is Adri Mehmeti, a 17-year-old Red Bull New York prospect also touted as a generational talent. Together with Sullivan’s expected call-up, the squad would mark a notable shift in emphasis for the national team as it begins a new cycle.