U.S. men’s national soccer team coach Mauricio Pochettino has announced his squad for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals against Haiti, set for November 14 and 17. Among the notable selections are forward Christian Pulisic and striker Folarin Balogun, both of whom are recovering from injuries sustained during the summer World Cup.
Pulisic fractured his leg in the round-of-16 loss to Belgium, while Balogun dealt with a knee injury and a complex transfer situation after his red card suspension was controversially lifted following intervention from then-President Donald Trump.
Pochettino expressed optimism for Balogun’s return, stating, “I think Balo, it’s a great opportunity to keep helping him to evolve after a tough summer.” He added, “Happy to see again Balo because I think after the World Cup, we have the possibility to see, and it is a great opportunity for him to keep improving in his confidence.”
In addition to Pulisic and Balogun, the roster includes several promising young players, such as 19-year-old Justin Ellis and 18-year-old Julian Hall, both of whom made their debuts and scored during recent international fixtures. Pochettino noted, “I think it’s a great opportunity for different players now, and for a different roster than was in the last camp, to have the possibility to mix younger with experienced players.”
Also included in the squad are 17-year-olds Cavan Sullivan and Mathis Albert, providing additional attacking options. Santiago Castaneda, a 21-year-old midfielder with ties to Colombia, has received his first senior international call-up.
The away leg of the quarter-finals will take place in Miami, Florida, followed by the home leg in Cincinnati, Ohio. The U.S. team’s performance in previous Nations League tournaments has been strong, winning the first three editions from 2021 to 2024. However, they faced a disappointing semi-final defeat to Panama last year.
### Squad Overview
Goalkeepers: Matt Freese (New York City), Diego Kochen (Lyngby Boldklub / DEN), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC)
Defenders: Reed Baker-Whiting (Nashville SC), George Campbell (West Bromwich Albion / ENG), Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven / NED), Alex Freeman (Villarreal / ESP), Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union), Bryan Reynolds (Stade Rennais / FRA), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace / ENG), Antonee Robinson (Fulham / ENG), Auston Trusty (Celtic / SCO)
Midfielders: Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth / ENG), Mathis Albert (Borussia Dortmund / GER), Sebastian Berhalter (Middlesbrough / ENG), Santiago Castañeda (SC Paderborn / GER), Weston McKennie (Juventus / ITA), Adri Mehmeti (Red Bull New York), Gio Reyna (RC Strasbourg Alsace / FRA), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen / GER)
Forwards: Folarin Balogun (Monaco / FRA), Justin Ellis (Orlando City SC), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan / ITA), Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)
