United States men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino has named a 25-player squad for the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti on November 14 and 17, mixing established regulars with a wave of young talent. The roster sees the return of key figures such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Folarin Balogun, Tyler Adams, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards and Sergiño Dest, while also handing opportunities to uncapped players including Reed Baker-Whiting, Santiago Castañeda, Mathis Albert, Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall and Justin Ellis.
Injury concerns have shaped the selection: both Ricardo Pepi and Balogun are not at full fitness, prompting Pochettino to call in Ellis and Hall as additional forward options. Hall arrives in strong form, having scored 13 goals in MLS play for New York Red Bulls and added three international goals, while Sullivan has three senior caps and one goal. Albert, who has four caps and one goal for Borussia Dortmund, is praised by Pochettino for his unique quality despite limited club minutes.
Pochettino emphasized balance and chemistry in his press conference, noting the importance of integrating youth with veterans. "I think it's important to always try to add new ideas, new ways to try to perform, and to create different patterns on the field with the ball," he said. He highlighted the potential combination of Sullivan and McKennie as dual attacking midfielders and expressed confidence that Albert can bring something different to the team. A concurrent U-23 camp underscores the federation's focus on developing the next generation.
Roster Overview
Goalkeepers: Matt Freese (NYCFC, 20 caps), Diego Kochen (Lyngby, 2 caps), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC, 2 caps). Defenders: Reed Baker-Whiting (Nashville SC, 0 caps), George Campbell (West Brom, 3 caps), Sergiño Dest (PSV, 46 caps), Alex Freeman (Villarreal, 26 caps), Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union, 3 caps), Bryan Reynolds (Stade Rennais, 7 caps), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace, 43 caps), Antonee Robinson (Fulham, 62 caps), Auston Trusty (Celtic, 14 caps). Midfielders: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth, 62 caps), Mathis Albert (Dortmund, 4 caps), Sebastian Berhalter (Middlesbrough, 22 caps), Santiago Castañeda (Paderborn, 0 caps), Weston McKennie (Juventus, 71 caps), Adri Mehmeti (NY Red Bulls, 3 caps), Gio Reyna (Strasbourg, 47 caps), Malik Tillman (Leverkusen, 39 caps). Forwards: Folarin Balogun (Monaco, 31 caps), Justin Ellis (Orlando City, 3 caps), Julian Hall (NY Red Bulls, 4 caps), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan, 90 caps), Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union, 3 caps).
