Coach Mauricio Pochettino is facing significant squad disruptions during the longest USMNT training camp he has overseen since taking charge in September 2024. Several key players have been forced to withdraw due to injuries. Folarin Balogun, DeJuan Jones, and Sean Zawadzki have all left the USMNT camp, and Walker Zimmerman, Nathan Harriel, and Paxten Aaronson have been called up as replacements for the upcoming friendly matches against Türkiye and Switzerland ahead of the Gold Cup tournament.
Monaco striker Folarin Balogun sustained an ankle injury, which unfortunately prevents him from making his first appearance under Pochettino`s leadership. This follows a previous shoulder injury Balogun had when Pochettino was appointed. His absence means the team begins another camp without one of their top attacking threats. Balogun isn`t the only notable player missing; Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie, and Gio Reyna are also not with the squad.
Reasons for these high-profile absences vary. Some players have commitments with their clubs due to the Club World Cup being held this summer, while Christian Pulisic was intentionally given rest time during the off-season. While absences are sometimes common in Gold Cup rosters which often feature domestic talent, the current situation is more significant. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, this camp and the upcoming friendlies represent a crucial preparation phase – potentially the last competitive fixtures before the tournament, as the USMNT, as hosts, does not need to qualify directly.
Given that this is the most extended period Pochettino has had to work with the first team players, it presents a vital opportunity to move past the recent disappointment in the Concacaf Nations League, where the USMNT not only saw Mexico lift the trophy but also lost the third-place match to Canada. Improvement is needed under Pochettino`s guidance, but achieving it will be more challenging if he cannot integrate his style and tactics with the core group of players when they are unavailable.
Balogun`s departure, however, does create significant opportunities for other forwards like Patrick Agyemang and Brian White. The team`s performance in the upcoming games will heavily rely on whether the strikers in camp can find their scoring form, as a continued lack of goals could prolong the team`s struggles.
USMNT Roster
GOALKEEPERS (4): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Matt Freese (New York City FC; 0/0), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids; 30/0), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG; 51/0)
DEFENDERS (9): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 3/0), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 33/2), Alex Freeman (Orlando City; 0/0), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union; 0/0), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 19/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 68/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 24/1), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 32/3), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 43/3)
MIDFIELDERS (9): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 47/8); Tyler Adams (Bournemouth/ENG; 44/2), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 0/0), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis/ESP; 18/0), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC; 24/1), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 4/0), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo; 4/1), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union; 0/0); Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 17/0)
FORWARDS (5): Paxten Aaronson (FC Utrecht/NED; 1/0), Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC; 4/3), Damion Downs (FC Köln/GER; 0/0), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps/CAN; 4/1), Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG; 15/4)
