United States men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has selected a 25-player squad that mixes established regulars with emerging talent for the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti on November 14 and 17. The roster aims to secure a semifinal berth while continuing the integration of the next generation.
Key veterans returning include captain Christian Pulisic (90 caps, 33 goals), Weston McKennie (71 caps, 12 goals), and Folarin Balogun (31 caps, 12 goals). They are joined by youngsters such as Cavan Sullivan (3 caps, 1 goal), Julian Hall (4 caps, 3 goals), uncapped Reed Baker-Whiting, and Paderborn midfielder Santiago Castañeda, who is also eligible for Colombia.
Several players are absent due to injury: Miles Robinson, Johnny Cardoso, and Ricardo Pepi are sidelined, while Tim Weah and Yunus Musah have been omitted as younger options at their positions get a chance. Pochettino confirmed that both Pepi and Balogun are not fully fit, leading to the inclusion of Justin Ellis and Hall to provide depth up front.
The squad features three goalkeepers — Matt Freese, Diego Kochen, and Brian Schwake — and nine defenders, including Sergiño Dest (46 caps), Antonee Robinson (62 caps), Chris Richards (43 caps), and Auston Trusty (14 caps). Midfield options comprise Tyler Adams (62 caps), Sebastian Berhalter (22 caps), Gio Reyna (47 caps), Malik Tillman (39 caps), and the uncapped Mathis Albert and Adri Mehmeti.
Pochettino emphasized balance and chemistry, noting the first-time pairing of Pulisic and Albert in camp. "The most important thing is the combination, to try to see the chemistry between because I think for Christian and Matias [Albert] is the first time that they are going to be together," he said. The coach also highlighted the forward trio of Balogun, Ellis, and Hall as a perfect blend, with Hall having scored 13 goals in MLS play and three for the national team.
Defensively, Neil Pierre and George Campbell earn recalls after a challenging first camp; Campbell faces a late fitness test after being withdrawn at halftime for West Bromwich Albion. Pochettino praised Albert's unique quality despite limited minutes at Borussia Dortmund, expressing confidence that the camp will help restore his club form. The manager also hinted at experimenting with a dual-10 system featuring Sullivan and McKennie.
With over 100 players tracked by the national team program, Pochettino's selections signal a competitive environment where performance dictates future involvement, as the U.S. aims to dominate the region across multiple cycles.
