2030 World Cup Cycle Kickoff
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has unveiled a 28-man roster for the upcoming international window, signaling the start of the 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle. Among the notable inclusions is 16-year-old Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan, who earns his first call-up to the senior US men’s national team following a breakout season. He is one of 12 Major League Soccer players selected for this camp, which will feature four friendly matches designed to refine the team’s depth.
International Friendly Schedule
- Sept. 26 vs. Peru: 4:30 pm ET, Inter.co Stadium, Orlando, Florida
- Sept. 29 vs. Chile: 8:00 pm ET, Energizer Park, St. Louis, Missouri
- Oct. 3 vs. Mexico: 10:00 pm ET, State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
- Oct. 6 vs. Canada: 8:00 pm ET, Allianz Field, St. Paul, Minnesota
The squad’s schedule begins with matches against South American opponents Peru and Chile. The team will then conclude the window by facing regional rivals Mexico and Canada, both of whom are co-hosts for the 2026 World Cup.
Youth and Talent Development
The current camp emphasizes fresh talent, featuring nine MLS newcomers who are attending their first senior national team gathering. Philadelphia Union homegrown players lead this youth movement, with Sullivan (16) joined by center back Neil Pierre (18) and right back Frankie Westfield (20). Other notable young homegrown call-ups include Red Bull New York’s Adri Mehmeti (17) and Julian Hall (18), alongside Orlando City forward Justin Ellis (19) and Nashville SC goalkeeper Ben Schwake.
Roster Depth and Experience
The nine newcomers are supported by veteran leadership, including three players who were part of the 2026 World Cup squad. The roster also reflects the strength of MLS academies, with eight homegrown alumni currently playing in Europe joining the group, such as Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, and Sebastian Berhalter. Furthermore, players like Gio Reyna and Mathis Albert, who spent significant time in MLS development systems, remain central to the long-term project under Pochettino. Since signing a long-term deal that extends through 2030, the Argentine manager has been tasked with building on the momentum of this summer’s World Cup, where the U.S. won their group and secured their first knockout round victory since 2002. The report also notes that george Campbell – West Bromwich Albion. The report also notes that peyton Miller – New England Revolution. The report also notes that which is designed to limit disruption to the global club landscape, the USMNT will play four matches during this expanded international window. The report also notes that afterwards, they’ll face two regional rivals and fellow 2026 World Cup co-hosts in Mexico and Canada. The report also notes that and the New England Revolution are represented by homegrown wingback Peyton Miller (18) and midfielder Brooklyn Raines (21), red Bull New York have two homegrown players in midfielder Adri Mehmeti (17) and forward Julian Hall (18). The report also notes that as is Nashville SC goalkeeper Brian Schwake (25), orlando City homegrown forward Justin Ellis (19) is enjoying a breakout season. The report also notes that earlier this summer, Hall and Schwake helped the MLS All-Stars defeat the LIGA MX All-Stars in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime.
