Pochettino unveils 27-player USMNT Gold Cup roster.
If the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) is to win its first Concacaf Gold Cup since 2021 this summer, it will do so severely shorthanded.
Training Camp Roster Surprises
Coach Mauricio Pochettino recently named a 27-player USMNT training camp roster ahead of the biennial regional championship and the two early June friendlies that precede it. And as expected, many of the American regulars are missing, raising eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Key Absences
Among the notable absences is star attacker Christian Pulisic, who is reportedly skipping this summer’s tournament after two demanding seasons with Italian club A.C. Milan. Additional absences include Weston McKennie and Tim Weah, both unavailable due to Juventus’s participation in the FIFA Club World Cup. Even Gio Reyna’s Borussia Dortmund shares this fate.
Official Statement on Pulisic
U.S. Soccer sporting director Matt Crocker addressed Pulisic’s withdrawal, stating, “Christian and his team approached the Federation about stepping back this summer, given the intense match load he has faced. After careful discussions, we agreed that this is the right moment for him to get the rest he needs.”
New Objectives and Recovery Focus
Pochettino emphasized that the main objective remains the World Cup, sharing, “The best decision for him and the national team is the one we made.” This approach reflects the broader strategy to safeguard player health as the team gears up for future challenges.
Rounding Out the Roster
Other notable omissions include Antonee “Jedi” Robinson, still recovering from injuries, and Yunus Musah, who withdrew for personal reasons. Pochettino is focusing on the players who are available such as 2022 World Cup veterans Brenden Aaronson, Sergiño Dest, and Haji Wright. Dest, now back from an ACL injury, is participating in his first camp under the Argentine manager.
Emerging Talent and New Faces
Five players in the current squad have yet to be capped at the senior level, including Sebastian Berhalter—son of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter—and forward Damion Downs, who enjoyed a successful season in the Bundesliga.
Aaronson’s Return
Aaronson returns after missing the March squad and having won the English second-tier title with Leeds United. Pochettino praised his “energy and enthusiasm,” vital qualities for team morale.
Upcoming Matches
The USMNT will face Turkey and Switzerland in preparation games on June 7 and 10, respectively. These matches are crucial for team chemistry and strategy ahead of the Gold Cup, with group play commencing on June 15 against Trinidad and Tobago.
Full Training Camp Roster Breakdown
Goalkeepers: Matt Freese (NYC FC), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace)
Defenders: Maximilian Arfsten (Columbus), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Orlando), DeJuan Jones (San Jose Earthquakes), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Miles Robinson (Cincinnati)
Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds), Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Luca de la Torre (San Diego), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union), Malik Tillman (PSV), Sean Zawadzki (Columbus)
Forwards: Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Damion Downs (Cologne), Brian White (Vancouver), Haji Wright (Coventry)
Doug McIntyre is a soccer reporter for FOX Sports who has covered the United States men’s and women’s national teams at FIFA World Cups on five continents. Follow him @ByDougMcIntyre.
