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Pochettino Names Youthful 28‑Man USMNT Roster With 16‑Year‑Old Cavan Sullivan Included

The selection kicks off a four‑year 2030 World Cup project focused on testing many uncapped teenagers to expand and evaluate the national player pool.

Overview

  • The roster, which Pochettino announced Thursday, covers four home friendlies on Sept. 26, Sept. 29, Oct. 3 and Oct. 6 and gives the coach repeated opportunities to rotate players and observe newcomers in match conditions.
  • Thirteen players on the list are uncapped at senior level and the squad’s average age is about 22 years and nine months, reflecting a deliberate youth infusion and broad player‑pool testing.
  • Sixteen‑year‑old Cavan Sullivan earned his first senior call‑up and could become the youngest U.S. senior international in two decades; he is reported to join Manchester City when he turns 18.
  • High‑profile absences include Christian Pulisic, who was left off the roster as he recovers and rebuilds club minutes, while Folarin Balogun and Weston McKennie are also unavailable because of fitness and club‑situation issues.
  • Pochettino framed the camp as the start of the 2030 cycle and will use non‑cap‑tying friendlies to assess dual‑nationals, accelerate development toward the 2028 Olympic pathway, and force competition for veteran spots.