USA Call-up Prediction: Christian Pulisic Will Do
According to Foxsports.
Context
Christian Pulisic, who had no minutes in AC Milan's first games of the new season, made his first appearance by coming on as a substitute and assisting a goal. His form and availability will be crucial for the US national team, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.
Why this matters
The call-up of the US national team for exhibition games is crucial to the team's preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The inclusion of Christian Pulisic, one of the team's stars, could influence the group's dynamics and morale, especially after his recent performance at AC Milan. Their presence or absence could also impact the confidence of young players emerging in the national team.
Main conclusions
- USA Call-up Prediction: Christian Pulisic Will Do.
- The article explores predictions regarding the United States men's national team roster for exhibition games and the 2030 World Cup cycle, highlighting key players such as Christian Pulisic and Cavan Sullivan.
- USA Roster Prediction: Will Christian Pulisic Make The First Post-World Cup Roster?.
With the 2030 World Cup cycle almost beginning, predicting the 26-player squad for the United States men's national team for the 2026 World Cup was relatively simple. Although there were some minor surprises — such as the inclusion of Alex Zendejas and Miles Robinson, and the exclusion of Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann — most of the players chosen by Mauricio Pochettino for the campaign that culminated in the round of 16 were predictable to those who followed the team's evolution in the months leading up to the tournament.
After signing a new four-year contract, Pochettino's first squad after the World Cup will be announced next Thursday, before exhibition games in the USA against Peru, Chile, Canada and historic rivals Mexico. The composition of this call is much less clear. Speaking to journalists on Labor Day, Pochettino mentioned that the September/October training camp will include both young players and veterans who participated in the World Cup. While I suggested that 30 players — including four goaltenders — would be called up to Atlanta starting September 20, my sense is that the final roster may be a little smaller. The big question is whether Christian Pulisic will be in it. The presence of the player, one of the team's main figures, is the most pressing doubt before Thursday's announcement.
Pulisic, who was unused in AC Milan's first three games of the new season, made his first appearance of the 2026-27 season on Saturday, coming on for the final 31 minutes and assisting a goal, helping his side earn a draw against Lazio. It remains to be seen whether this contribution will be enough to guarantee his call-up. On the other hand, 16-year-old Philadelphia Union prodigy Cavan Sullivan appears to have done enough to deserve an invite. The young striker scored two goals on Sunday night in a 5-0 victory over San Diego, and has now contributed goals in seven consecutive games, registering five goals and six assists in that period. Given that there will be no U23 squad schedule until November, the inclusion of Sullivan, who is expected to be a key figure for the 2028 Olympic team, seems even more likely.
Defining who else will be present is a complex task. With the 2030 World Cup cycle almost underway, here is my most educated prediction:
GOALKEEPERS: Matt Freese, Chris Brady, Diego Kochen, Brian Schwake. Almost called up: Matt Turner. During a video conference with journalists last week, Pochettino stated that he would call up four goalkeepers. Freese, 28, was a starter at the World Cup and has gained crucial experience that will help him over the next four years. Brady, the US number three behind Freese and Turner, has been outstanding for the Chicago Fire in the second half of the MLS season. Schwake, 25, has stood out even more for Nashville, while Kochen, 20, a young Barcelona talent on loan from Danish club Lyngby, is starting to get more opportunities. Turner, who was number 1 in 2022, lost his place to Freese and will turn 36 during the 2030 event, potentially being absent from this squad.
DEFENDERS: Antonee Robinson, George Bello, Alex Freeman, Frankie Westfield. Almost called up: Luca Bombino, Max Arfsten, Joe Scally, Tim Weah. Robinson is one of the most respected figures on the team and his presence could be valuable in guiding the younger players in their first call-up. The veteran left-back has started all four of Fulham's Premier League games so far, including the 0-0 draw with Liverpool. Pochettino mentioned that he could omit players who have just joined new clubs, which could exclude Arfsten. Therefore, Bello's return to the national team, who has not played since 2022, is a possibility. Freeman has already racked up more minutes this season than he did in the second half of last season and the 20-year-old Westfield has quickly established himself as one of the best at the position in MLS.
CENTER DEFENDERS: Chris Richards, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, Neil Pierre. Almost called up: Miles Robinson, Tristan Blackmon, Cameron Carter-Vickers, George Campbell. Richards enters the 2030 cycle as the best central defender in the US, although the absence of Tim Ream, who will have worn his national team's colors for the last time, creates a gap in his side. Trusty should be the next left option, while McKenzie maintains a role as a solid option. The most intriguing name is Pierre, an 18-year-old who has excelled in MLS since returning from his loan.
MEDIUMS: Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Jack McGlynn, Aidan Morris, Yunus Musah. Almost called up: Weston McKennie*, Johnny Cardoso, Tanner Tessmann, Brooklyn Raines, Gianluca Busio*. Adams, who started the season on the bench, has already started two games in a row in the Premier League. Berhalter, his World Cup replacement, is improving and scoring goals in the Championship, while Morris and McGlynn have been in good form. Musah should also be considered given his importance in Milan's games.
EXTREMES: Sergiño Dest, Brenden Aaronson, Cavan Sullivan, Peyton Miller, Justin Ellis. Almost called up: Christian Pulisic, Cole Campbell, Diego Luna*, Alex Zendejas*. Sullivan is not the only young striker to shine in MLS, with Miller scoring the winning goal in the last game. Ellis, 19, has a number of assists to his credit. Dest and Aaronson have shown good performances, and both could be solid options for the squad.
ADVANCED: Ricardo Pepi, Zavier Gozo, Julian Hall. Almost called up: Folarin Balogun, Patrick Agyemang*, Milan Iloski, Brian White, Haji Wright*. Pepi, now a starter at PSV, has been in great form, but the lack of options for Pochettino in attack is evident. Balogun, who hasn't played this season, could be ruled out, and injuries to Agyemang and Wright make room for Gozo and Hall, who have been outstanding in MLS. Pochettino and his assistant Jesus Perez were recently watching Gozo live, which could be a good sign for his inclusion.
What happens next
The squad list will be released next Thursday, with Pochettino expected to mix experienced players and new talent. Games against Peru, Chile, Canada and Mexico will serve as an important test for the team, allowing Pulisic and other players to adjust ahead of the 2030 World Cup cycle. The decision on Pulisic's inclusion will be closely watched given his central role in the team.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to the US national team call-up?
The United States men's national team squad for the 2026 World Cup will be announced next Thursday, before exhibition games against Peru, Chile, Canada and Mexico.
Who confirmed the call-up for the US national team?
Mauricio Pochettino, the national coach, confirmed that the squad will be announced next Thursday.
Why is the US national team call-up important now?
The call-up is important as it marks Pochettino's first call-up after the World Cup and includes both young players and veterans.
What changes could occur in the US national team roster?
The squad may include surprises, with the inclusion of young players and the possible exclusion of some veterans who participated in the World Cup.
Will Christian Pulisic be part of the squad?
Christian Pulisic's presence in the squad is a pressing doubt, especially after his recent participation at AC Milan.