New USMNT Squad for Fall
Mauricio Pochettino unveils a refreshed USMNT squad featuring teen phenom Cavan Sullivan for fall friendlies.
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Following the teams’ Round of 16 exits from the 2026 World Cup, the United States and Mexico are beginning new cycles aimed at 2030. Mauricio Pochettino, retained as USMNT coach through 2030, selected a refreshed 28-player squad featuring 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan and numerous newcomers, while several prominent regulars are absent. The Americans’ four fall friendlies are against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. Mexico legend Rafael Márquez is taking charge of El Tri, which opens against Colombia with a roster limited by Liga MX scheduling before facing Peru, the United States and Chile; the camps give both coaches an early chance to assess emerging talent.
Key Points
1
Pochettino selected 13 uncapped players for the U.S. squad, including eight teenagers; three newcomers were in the starting lineup for the Peru opener.
2
Ricardo Pepi withdrew from the U.S. squad because of injury, while Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Weston McKennie were also absent.
3
Mexico’s opening roster under Márquez has 30 players, but Liga MX’s schedule means the team is short of a complete squad for the Colombia match; captain Edson Álvarez, Raúl Jiménez and Julián Quiñones are among the notable absentees.
4
Mexico’s last meeting with Colombia was a 4–0 Colombia win in a friendly on Oct. 11, 2025, at AT&T Stadium.
5
The U.S. brought 28 players rather than its usual 26 for the four-match window, citing the need to distribute playing time, cover for injuries and make use of the additional minutes.
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