The US men’s national soccer team is set to welcome back two promising young players, Gio Reyna and Joe Scally, for the upcoming international window in November. Both midfielders from Borussia Mönchengladbach have been called up by head coach Mauricio Pochettino for two friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay, marking their returns to the national team since last March. Their inclusion comes at a time when several regular USMNT players will be unavailable due to injuries or ongoing recoveries, opening the door for some less familiar faces to earn valuable minutes ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The November matches are significant for the United States as they represent the second-to-last international window before Pochettino finalizes his squad for the World Cup, and they will be the last fixtures for the national team until March 2025. The two friendlies will take place on November 15 at Subaru Park in Chester, Pennsylvania, against Paraguay, and on November 18 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, against Uruguay. Despite the importance of these games, several key players will be missing from the roster.
Christian Pulisic, the team’s captain and one of its most recognizable stars, will not be part of the squad. Pulisic recently recovered from a hamstring injury sustained during his last appearance for the national team and will be rested to ensure full recovery. Reports indicate that this absence was a mutual decision between AC Milan, his club, and the USMNT staff. Another surprising omission is Weston McKennie, a midfielder who has been a regular starter for Juventus this season and started their last three Serie A matches. His absence has raised eyebrows, as he is generally considered a vital member of the squad. Other regulars sidelined include Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, who is nursing a knock, Bayer Leverkusen’s Malik Tillman, recently back from injury but not yet fit enough, Marseille winger Tim Weah, and Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, both dealing with ongoing injuries.
With these absences, Pochettino’s 25-player squad features a mix of established players, returning veterans, and newcomers hoping to make their mark. The roster is divided across positions, each with its own story and potential impact.
### Goalkeepers
The goalkeeper group includes Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena), and Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew). Among them, Matt Freese stands out as the most experienced and currently the favorite to start in goal at the World Cup. He has been entrusted with the most playing time in recent friendlies and training camps. Notably absent is goalkeeper Djordje “D.J.” Turner of the New England Revolution, who was the starter for the US during the 2022 World Cup but has not been called into this camp. Pochettino appears to be focusing on giving opportunities to a slightly different set of goalkeepers as he considers options for the future.
### Defenders
The defensive line-up features a mix of youth and experience. Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven) and Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach) provide attacking options from full-back positions, with Scally making his first USMNT appearance since March’s Nations League Finals. Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew) is another left-back option favored by Pochettino, often deployed as a wing-back in formations utilizing three center-backs. John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel) returns to the squad after participating in the recent Gold Cup, offering competition on the flanks.
At center-back, the US will have to cope without Chris Richards, a regular starter who has been sidelined. The options include Mark McKenzie (Toulouse FC), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), and Auston Trusty (Celtic). Robinson’s absence from national team action has been prolonged by an offseason knee surgery, and he has yet to regain full fitness. This defensive group is critical as the US looks to build a solid backline in World Cup qualifying and beyond.
### Midfielders
The midfield will be an interesting area to watch, especially given the absence of Pulisic and McKennie. Tyler Adams (Bournemouth) remains a central figure, while Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps) and Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough) add