USMNT releases roster for November Nations League matches: What does Pochettino's strongest roster look like?

The next step in the 2030 World Cup cycle has arrived for the USMNT. On Wednesday, Mauricio Pochettino announced the roster that will face Haiti in a two-match quarterfinal in the CONCACAF Nations League. The first leg is next Saturday, November 14, in Miami, which is technically Haiti's home game. The second leg will be in Cincinnati on Tuesday, November 17. The winner of the two-leg playoff will advance to the Nations League semifinals next March.

Unlike the last window in which the USMNT played four friendly matches, these are competitive matches. That has forced Pochettino to value winning over the development of young players. To a large extent, the roster reflects that. However, the coaching staff has identified several young players who are along for the ride.

Goalkeeper

The goalkeeper position remains a position of uncertainty for the U.S. The three goalies for the upcoming window are Matt Freese, Diego Kochen, and Brian Schwake. All three were involved during the last window, with Freese being the unofficial incumbent from the 2026 World Cup. It's not surprising that these are the three on the roster. However, it'll be fascinating to see who gets the start in these two games.

Center back

The four center-backs on the roster are as expected: Chris Richards, Auston Trusty, George Campbell, and Neil Pierre. Richards is all but certain to start both games. The question is who joins him. Trusty feels like the de facto starter, especially since he's the only left-footed center-back in the player pool. But Campbell has impressed at West Brom this season, captaining the club in the English Championship. Pierre making the roster says a lot about how Pochettino views him, although he is unlikely to play meaningful minutes during these two matches.

Full back

The full-back position comes with some surprises. As expected, Alex Freeman, Sergiño Dest, and Antonee Robinson are on the roster. But Bryan Reynolds being included over Tim Weah and Joe Scally is surprising. That being said, Reynolds has been in good form for Rennes in France and deserves another chance with the USMNT. The biggest shock is the inclusion of Nashville full-back Reed Baker-Whiting. The 21-year-old is getting his first call-up with the full national team and was selected over players like Peyton Miller and Frankie Westfield, who were involved in the last window.

Midfield

The trio of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Malik Tillman leads the midfield for this window. Gio Reyna and Sebastian Berhalter, who figure to be core players over the next four years, are also included. But there are two somewhat surprising inclusions. One is 17-year-old Adri Mehmeti, who made his USMNT debut during the September-October window but clearly has a long way to go. The other player is Santiago Castañeda, who is a dual national with Colombia. Castañeda is getting his first call-up with the USMNT, but one that is well deserved after several standout performances with Paderborn in the Bundesliga this season.

Winger

After being notably absent last month, Christian Pulisic is back with the national team in November. He's become something of a polarizing figure over the last six months, but he's still among the USMNT's best players. He will be joined by teenagers Cavan Sullian and Mathis Albert, who are the only other true wingers on the roster. Both are teenagers, although Pochettino clearly thinks highly of both.

Striker

This roster also includes the return of Folarin Balogun. A minor injury issue and uncertainty about his club situation kept Balogun from participating during the September-October window. But he's back and ready to lead the line for the USMNT against Haiti. His backups will be youngsters Justin Ellis and Julian Hall. Both impressed during that last international break and were chosen over Ricardo Pepi, who is still recovering from an injury.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow