Christian Pulisic is set to rejoin the U.S. Men's National Team for their upcoming friendlies against South Korea and Japan in September. This marks his return after opting out of the Gold Cup to rest and recover. However, notable absences from the roster include Weston McKennie and Matt Turner.
USMNT Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino announced the 23-player roster for the September friendlies. The games against South Korea and Japan are crucial as the team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is less than a year away. These matches provide an opportunity for Pochettino to assess the squad and experiment with different options.
Pulisic's return is a significant boost for the USMNT. His presence was missed during the Concacaf Nations League play and the Gold Cup final, where the U.S. lost to Mexico. Pulisic's experience and skill will be vital as the team aims to improve its performance and build chemistry.
The omission of Weston McKennie from the roster is a surprise. McKennie, a regular in the national team with 60 caps, was not called up despite playing for Juventus. He was previously unavailable for the Gold Cup due to Club World Cup duties. It is unclear why Pochettino left him off the roster for these friendlies.
Matt Turner is another notable absence. Turner, who recently returned to MLS with the New England Revolution after playing in the Premier League, also misses out. Matt Freese is the only goalkeeper with a cap in the squad. Turner's absence raises questions about the goalkeeping situation within the national team. Despite being a reliable player and leader, according to Pochettino, Turner will have to fight for his position.
Several other players are also absent from the roster. Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and Patrick Agyemang are all out, with Josh Sargent returning to the squad in the striker role. Antonee Robinson and Malik Tillman are also not included. Some players are returning from injuries or are just getting back into action with their clubs.
The roster includes some new faces and returning players. Josh Sargent is back after a strong start to the season with Norwich City. Sergino Dest also returns after recovering from an ACL tear. Tim Weah is back in the fold after Club World Cup duties kept him from participating in the Gold Cup.
Several players from the Gold Cup squad have been retained, including Matt Freese, Alex Freeman, Max Arfsten, and Nathan Harriel. There are also a couple of surprise inclusions, including 18-year-old center back Noahkai Banks.
Pochettino's selection indicates a desire to explore all available options before settling on a core squad for the World Cup. With limited time left before the tournament, these friendlies are crucial for building team chemistry and determining the best lineup. The USMNT has 289 days remaining until the 2026 World Cup kicks off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The USMNT roster for the September friendlies includes:
Pochettino is expected to name a 23rd player to the roster. US Soccer did not specify whether McKennie could be that player.
