November USMNT Roster Breakdown

Experimental Squad Selection Under Mauricio Pochettino

U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has revealed an experimental 25-player roster for November’s friendlies, emphasizing evaluation and squad depth ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With 11 uncapped or returning faces and notable absences, this selection highlights Pochettino’s strategy to integrate talent, manage player workloads and assess emerging options.

Gio Reyna’s Return Energizes Midfield

One of the headline stories is the recall of attacking midfielder Gio Reyna, named to the USMNT for the first time since March. Reyna’s limited club minutes at Borussia Mönchengladbach have slowed his progress, but Pochettino values his technical ability and sees this camp as an opportunity to reignite his confidence. “Gio is a special player,” Pochettino noted, stressing that time with the national team will help establish mutual expectations on and off the pitch.

Absence of Pulisic, McKennie and Weah: Reasons Behind the Decisions

Several established internationals are missing from the roster:
• Christian Pulisic (hamstring): After picking up a minor injury against Australia, Pulisic remains in Milan for full rehabilitation, ensuring he returns to club action at 100%.
• Weston McKennie (Juventus integration): Fit and active under new manager Luciano Spalletti, McKennie stays in Turin to solidify his role and adapt to Spalletti’s system.
• Tim Weah (injury management): Still recovering from a knee issue, Weah is withheld to avoid setbacks.

Pochettino emphasized “common sense” in protecting players’ long-term fitness, balancing immediate needs with World Cup preparation.

Roster Composition: Position-by-Position Overview

Goalkeepers (4)

• Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati)
• Matt Freese (New York City FC)
• Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena)
• Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew)

Defenders (9)

• Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew)
• Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven)
• Alex Freeman (Orlando City)
• Mark McKenzie (Toulouse FC)
• Tim Ream (Charlotte FC)
• Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
• Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
• John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel)
• Auston Trusty (Celtic)

Midfielders (7)

• Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)
• Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps)
• Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough)
• Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
• Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)
• Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon)
• Sean Zawadzki (Columbus Crew)

Forwards (5)

• Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United)
• Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco)
• Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)
• Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven)
• Haji Wright (Coventry City)

Matt Freese Emerging as First-Choice Keeper

Despite the presence of veteran options like Roman Celentano, New York City FC stopper Matt Freese has started 11 of NYCFC’s last 12 matches, positioning himself as the leading candidate for the No. 1 role. With 2022 World Cup starter Matt Turner absent, Freese’s consistent performances and growing international experience make him a key figure in Pochettino’s long-term goalkeeping plans.

Forward Competition Heats Up

The striker pool has become increasingly competitive. Folarin Balogun’s recent goal contributions and Haji Wright’s brace against Australia underscore their value. Ricardo Pepi returns after a year away, bringing five goals in 12 appearances for PSV. Diego Luna’s shift from midfield to a second-striker role adds tactical flexibility. Pochettino aims to identify reliable finishing options and inject fresh energy into the attack.

Looking Ahead: Friendlies vs Paraguay and Uruguay

The USMNT will host Paraguay on Nov. 15 and Uruguay on Nov. 18, both already qualified for the 2026 World Cup. These high-quality tests will provide critical insights into squad chemistry and individual readiness. Pochettino views these matches as vital preparation, allowing the team to evaluate formations, player roles and resilience against top-30 FIFA nations.

Conclusion

Pochettino’s November roster blends experienced internationals, promising newcomers and returning talents like Gio Reyna. By managing absences prudently and spotlighting in-form performers, the USMNT continues its methodical buildup toward the 2026 World Cup. Fans can expect an engaging blend of experimentation and strategic refinement in the upcoming friendlies.