The U.S. Men’s National Team has announced its November camp roster, and it’s one that signals both renewal and refinement under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The 27-man squad blends familiar veterans, returning stars, and a host of emerging names as the U.S. continues its build toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
A Fresh Look for November
After October’s mixed results — a 1-1 draw against Ecuador and a 2-1 win over Australia — Pochettino has opted for an experimental approach this month. Eleven players who did not feature in the October friendlies have been added, marking one of the most significant overhauls of the roster in recent memory.
Midfield star Gio Reyna headlines the returnees, called up for the first time since March. Reyna’s inclusion comes as a welcome boost both for fans and for Pochettino, who continues to evaluate his full player pool. “It’s a good opportunity now to have a player like Gio that is special,” Pochettino said Thursday. “We’re going to agree that Gio is a special player. It’s time to give him the possibility to be with us.”
Among the other notable returns are Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest, and Ricardo Pepi, all back from personal absences or injuries. Adams missed the October camp while awaiting the birth of his second child, while Dest and Pepi have now fully recovered from fitness issues.
Pulisic, McKennie, and Turner Left Out
Some absences are purely precautionary. Christian Pulisic continues to recover from a hamstring injury suffered against Australia. Pochettino called his omission “common sense,” explaining, “It’s not common sense to call a player who’s recovering. We never risk players. It’s to provide him the possibility to recover 100%, be ready to play after the international duty.”
Similarly, Weston McKennie remains with Juventus to work under new manager Luciano Spalletti. “We already know what he can provide the team,” Pochettino said, noting that consistent club minutes in Turin will benefit both player and country in the long run.
Also missing is Matt Turner, the 2022 World Cup starter whose absence suggests a changing of the guard between the posts. In his place, Matt Freese (NYCFC) has emerged as a frontrunner for the No. 1 spot after starting 11 of the team’s last 12 matches.
Goalkeepers
Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati), Matt Freese (NYCFC), Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew)
Freese’s run of form and growing international experience make him one of the roster’s most intriguing figures. With Turner out, Pochettino appears intent on giving Freese extended time in goal to build confidence and familiarity before 2026.
Defenders
Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Orlando City SC), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse FC), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), John Tolkin (Holstein Kiel), Auston Trusty (Celtic)
Veterans like Ream and Robinson anchor the defense, while Scally returns alongside club teammate Reyna after a strong run in the Bundesliga. Freeman and Arfsten highlight Pochettino’s willingness to test new options in depth positions.
Midfielders
Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyonnais), Sean Zawadzki (Columbus Crew)
The midfield sees balance between leadership and experimentation. Adams’ return brings stability, while Tessmann and Morris continue to grow in their European roles. Pochettino emphasized that this camp is “as much about understanding players off the field as on it,” noting his desire to “share time” and better understand Reyna’s mentality.
Forwards
Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Haji Wright (Coventry City)
The forward group continues to evolve — and produce. Balogun has two goals and an assist in his last four USMNT appearances, while Wright made waves with a brace against Australia. Now, Pepi rejoins the mix after netting five goals in 12 appearances for PSV, signaling a crowded and competitive striker race.
Luna, who transitions from midfield into a more attacking role, earned high praise from Pochettino: “He’s an offensive player, a second striker or winger, always looking to score. His mentality is that of a forward — that’s why he’s in that place.”
Upcoming Friendlies: Paraguay & Uruguay
The USMNT will continue its World Cup preparations with friendlies against Paraguay (Nov. 15) and Uruguay (Nov. 18). Both opponents are among FIFA’s top 30 and have already qualified for next summer’s tournament — a valuable test for Pochettino’s evolving side.
With just two camps left before 2026, the message is clear: Pochettino is casting a wide net, prioritizing chemistry, competition, and cohesion. Every call-up, omission, and position tweak is a glimpse into the broader vision — a U.S. team designed not just to qualify, but to compete on home soil in 2026.
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