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Mauricio Pochettino Calls Up 16-Year-Old Cavan Sullivan as Christian Pulisic Misses Out on USMNT Roster
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino names a youthful 28-man squad for September/October friendlies, including 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan making his senior debut and the notable omission of Christian Pulisic.
US Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has announced a youthful 28-man roster for the upcoming international friendlies, with 16-year-old Philadelphia Union prodigy Cavan Sullivan poised to make his senior team debut. Notably, Christian Pulisic, a regular figure in previous lineups, is absent from this latest squad.
The squad selection marks a significant shift as Pochettino looks to build a new cycle following the recent World Cup. The September and October international window will see the USMNT play four friendlies across the country, providing ample opportunity for fresh talent to showcase their abilities on the senior stage.
Cavan Sullivan’s inclusion is a standout development, as the Philadelphia Union midfielder is one of 13 players who could earn their first caps in the coming weeks. If Sullivan takes the field, he will become the fourth-youngest player ever to represent the United States, joining an elite group with Freddy Adu still holding the record as the youngest.
The decision to omit Christian Pulisic, a key figure in the USMNT’s recent campaigns, underscores Pochettino’s intent to fast-track younger prospects. This move may signal a broader strategic pivot toward developing emerging talent ahead of future competitive fixtures and tournaments.
For the USMNT, this squad renewal provides a platform to assess the depth and potential of the national team pool. It also offers Pochettino the chance to experiment with different player combinations and tactics as the team prepares for the next phase of international competition.
Looking ahead, the USMNT will face four friendlies during this international break, which will be crucial for integrating new players like Sullivan into the squad dynamic. These matches will also serve as a litmus test for the team’s direction under Pochettino’s guidance as they build toward upcoming competitive challenges.
For more detailed analysis and the full roster, visit The Guardian.
