Mauricio Pochettino published the list of 26 players summoned to represent the USMNT in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. It includes veterans and newcomers, leaving one aspect unmistakable regarding the intention of the Argentine coach: to construct a competitive roster with less than a year until the World Cup on US soil. With a young average age and a blend of MLS and Europe, the roster enters the competition, which commences on June 15 against Trinidad and Tobago, under an air of anticipation.
The squad is in good balance with a combination of experienced campaigners and newcomers. It comprises veterans of major international competition in the form of Matt Turner, Tim Ream, Miles Robinson, and Walker Zimmerman. Five players are getting their senior national team first call-up in the form of Chris Brady, Alex Freeman, Quinn Sullivan, Sebastian Berhalter, and Damion Downs. It is the third-youngest USMNT roster ever to compete in the Gold Cup with an average age of 25 years and 119 days.
Striding ahead in peak condition and a midfield bristling with promise
The attacking corps are burning bright. Eight goals in ten MLS matches so far this year, Brian White leads or is near the top of the Golden Boot chart. Diego Luna's form is returning, and Haji Wright leads Coventry City in England with 12 goals on the scoreboard. Köln's debutant Damion Downs tallied ten goals in the previous year. Brenden Aaronson and Malik Tillman, having had experience in top European club divisions, round out the attacking corps.
In midfield, Pochettino is banking on a combination of hard work and talent. PSV's second-best point-scorer, Malik Tillman, was instrumental in the league title in Holland. Tyler Adams, Johnny Cardoso, Luca de la Torre, and Jack McGlynn are in. Quinn Sullivan, a bright spot in his Philadelphia Union career, is a contributor with seven assists in 14 games and is getting attention despite never having played on a senior squad.
Defense brings stability and fresh faces
The backline is a mix of stability and freshness. Ream and Zimmerman provide a foundation. Richards, McKenzie, and Robinson provide mobility and a good reading of the game. New faces Nathan Harriel, Max Arfsten, and John Tolkin are being given an opportunity to step forward. In goal, Turner is the starter, with Brady and Freese as backups.
MLS steps into the spotlight
Fifteen of the 26 players called in play in MLS. All 15 are from 11 different clubs, two from Charlotte FC, Philadelphia Union, and Vancouver Whitecaps. Depth is a reflection of the bigger role MLS is playing in the development of players and in finding players for the national team. Long a source of criticism, the league is positioning itself to be a real pipeline of players eager and capable of playing.
The rest of the 11 players are based overseas, with a good blend of players from German, English, French, Spanish, and Dutch leagues. This blend of players brings tactical sense and substitute players that make a team well-rounded. This makes the current team well equipped to handle differing tactics of play and opposition.
Key friendlies before the opener Before the tournament begins, the US will play friendly matches against Switzerland and Türkiye to warm up ahead of the tournament. On June 7 and June 10, the matches are scheduled and will be the final dry runs before the beginning of the Gold Cup. Choosing opposition is a strategy of playing hard and tough opposition well in advance of the opening whistle in the tournament.