The September-October international window was a great opportunity for young USMNT players to get their first exposure at the international level. But those were just friendly matches, and it’s November when the rubber meets the road. Granted, Mauricio Pochettino’s team is heavily favored to advance past Haiti in the Nation’s League. But since they’re competitive games, Pochettino will bring his best possible roster. That begs the question: which players who just made their debut will be ready for a competitive international window in November?
Julian Hall
After scoring three goals in three games, it’ll be tough to deny Hall a roster spot in November. The 18-year-old was the best striker the USMNT had during its four friendly matches, showing poise and a finishing touch beyond his years. That’s not to say he’ll start over Folarin Balogun or even be preferred over Ricardo Pepi. But he should be among the strikers Pochettino calls up in November. The issue is that playing in the Nations League would cap-tie him to the U.S., and Hall has not ruled out playing for Poland. If called up, he might be forced to make a decision sooner than expected.
Cavan Sullivan
The 17-year-old is no longer just a future piece of the USMNT; he looks like he could be in Pochettino’s immediate plans. He obviously didn’t score three goals or put up flashy numbers during the September-October window the way Hall did. But every time Sullivan was on the ball, it seemed like he was forcing the issue and making something happen. He looked like he belonged and looked like a player heading to Manchester City when he turns 18. Whether he starts is another issue, but Sullivan surely looks like he’ll be included on the November roster.
CAVAN SULLIVAN PICKS HIS POCKET AND SENDS IT IN FROM WAYYYYYY DOWNTOWN! #USMNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/tTiumwSPsS
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) October 4, 2026
Diego Kochen
By starting Kochen against Mexico, was Pochettino signaling that he’s the new top-choice keeper? In theory, we’ll find out in November because Pochettino will surely play his best players in competitive matches. If nothing else, Kochen has at least worked his way into being the top backup behind Matt Freese. The most likely scenario is that both goalies will be part of the squad in November, when we will hopefully get some clarity on the complicated goalkeeper situation.
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