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3 MLS players who deserve a USMNT debut next

Since he has been the USMNT head coach, Mauricio Pochettino has been willing to give MLS players a chance, so here are three who could make their debut soon.

By Robert Wheeler

Nov 18, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino looks on before an international friendly against Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Nov 18, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino looks on before an international friendly against Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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MLS is not considered to be on the same level as European soccer’s top five leagues. Therefore, it is always going to be difficult for MLS players to earn their place in the USMNT roster.  

Mauricio Pochettino appears to not care which league you are in, but judges players on if they are getting game time and performing well. Sebastian Berhalter of the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Columbus Crew’s Max Arfsten and Diego Luna of Real Salt Lake have all been used by Pochettino.  

It is a pivotal time for soccer in the United States with the World Cup which they are co-hosting along with Canada and Mexico fast approaching. Pochettino would take a gamble taking an uncapped player to the tournament, but there will no doubt be opportunities for MLS players to represent the Stars and Stripes. They may get their chance under a new coach as Pochettino could depart the USMNT after the tournament.  

Here are three more MLS players who could soon make their debuts for the USMNT: 

3 MLS players who deserve a USMNT debut next

1. Zavier Gozo 

Zavier Gozo has already represented the USMNT from the Under-15 level up to the U23s. After featuring once in MLS for Real Salt Lake in 2023 and 2024, he then became a regular during the 2025 campaign. That year, he scored four goals with three assists in 25 regular-season games. This helped RSL make it to the playoffs, but they lost to the Portland Timbers. 

This season, Gozo has hit the ground running, already finding the back of the net twice and providing two assists in six matches. A debut for the USMNT could soon be beckoning. However, he does favor playing on the right wing, which is Christian Pulisic’s position for the Stars and Stripes. Despite not being in form for AC Milan right now, Pulisic is still the United States’ talisman.  

Gozo could also soon earn himself a move to European soccer. He has been linked with the likes of Atletico Madrid, Aston Villa, Red Bull Salzburg, and Genk. The right-sided player may even be at a club in Europe before he makes his USMNT debut.  

2. Brooklyn Raines

The USMNT also has a very talented central midfield, which includes the likes of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Johnny Cardoso. However, one MLS player who could force his way into making his debut is Brooklyn Raines. 

Raines played 45 times in MLS for the Houston Dynamo before being transferred to the New England Revolution. He has started all six of the Revs’ league games this season. The midfielder has already represented the USMNT at U23 level, but it could soon be time for him to play for the seniors.  

3. Luca Bombino 

The left-back position is one where the USMNT already has Antonee Robinson. The Fulham left-back has made the position his own and has often been linked with moves to bigger clubs in the Premier League.  

However, Pochettino could do with some cover in the position. Luca Bombino could provide this. After coming through the ranks at Los Angeles FC, Bombino has now played 33 times in MLS for San Diego FC. He has scored twice and provided two assists in the division. Bombino has already represented the USMNT at the U20 level. 

Pochettino also has former New York Red Bulls defender John Tolkin of Holstein Kiel as an option. However, he is playing in the Bundesliga 2, so not in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Bombino could also soon earn a move across the Atlantic Ocean, as he was linked with West Bromwich Albion last year.  

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