The USMNT roster for the Concacaf Gold Cup has been finalized. While some expected absences include Christian Pulisic and Antonee Robinson, additional regular players have also withdrawn from the United States Men`s National Team squad. Folarin Balogun departed during the camp to address an injury, while Sergino Dest`s recovery from his ACL injury was prioritized through a personal rehabilitation program over participation in games.
This Gold Cup is a significant tournament, serving as the last competitive matches Pochettino will oversee before the 2026 World Cup. He will have the opportunity to evaluate numerous new faces, as the roster includes 15 MLS players. Four individuals are receiving their first-ever call-ups for the USMNT: Alex Freeman, Quinn Sullivan, Sebastian Berhalter, and Damion Downs.
With approximately a year until the World Cup, this period is crucial for these players to emerge and establish themselves within the squad. They will have ample opportunities given that this is Pochettino`s longest training camp since taking charge of the USMNT in September 2024.
Roster
GOALKEEPERS (3): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Matt Freese (New York City FC; 0/0), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace/ENG; 51/0)
DEFENDERS (9): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 3/0), 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), John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel/GER; 4/0), 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)
New faces
Among the new faces, Damion Downs, a 20-year-old dual-national from FC Köln in Germany`s 2. Bundesliga, will be evaluated. Downs had a strong season, scoring 10 goals and assisting three while playing as a forward and on the right wing. Eligible for both Germany and the United States, he represents an intriguing potential addition to the attack. In midfield, Quinn Sullivan and Sebastian Berhalter earn their first call-ups as recognition for their solid performances in MLS this season.
Midfielders who are adept defensively or contribute effectively to link-up play are crucial for enhancing the USMNT`s transition game. Both Sullivan and Berhalter come from families with strong soccer backgrounds (Sebastian`s father is Gregg Berhalter, and Quinn`s younger brother Cavan is a highly-rated American prospect). This camp offers them a chance to distinguish themselves. Additionally, Orlando City SC defender Alex Freeman receives his first call-up following his strong form this season. Freeman, the son of former NFL wide receiver Antonio Freeman, has impressively scored four goals despite playing primarily as a right back. As another wing-back option who can provide width, he has an opportunity to compete for playing time, especially with Robinson and Dest absent.
An expectation to win
After watching Mexico claim the previous Gold Cup title, there is significant pressure on this squad to ensure the USMNT wins this edition. Placed in Group D alongside Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saudi Arabia, the USMNT is expected to advance to the knockout stages. However, this is where the team will face its real test. Concacaf teams have shown improvement, and given that this is the first time many of these players are competing together internationally, some initial difficulties are anticipated. Nevertheless, the extended training camp leading into the Gold Cup provides Pochettino with a valuable opportunity to instill his tactical approach and influence the team cohesion, more so than the typically brief international windows allow. A lack of visible progress despite this extended preparation time would certainly raise concerns ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Who is the No. 9?
The question of the starting striker position remains open. Folarin Balogun has yet to play a match under Pochettino. With Josh Sargent also unavailable, Brian White and Patrick Agyemang will have increased chances to prove they can be options for the 2026 World Cup. Haji Wright is another possibility, though he is often utilized on the wing. Both MLS forwards, White and Agyemang, have demonstrated good form under Pochettino. While it might be a surprise, there is a real possibility they could be leading the attack in 2026. Ultimately, international football often boils down to identifying the best combination of 11 players who complement each other on the field, which is precisely what Pochettino appears to be focused on at this time.
