Pochettino names seven teenagers in USA's first squad of the 2030 World Cup cycle

Mauricio Pochettino has named a 28-player United States squad for four home friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada later this month and in early November, marking the country’s first international window since their round-of-16 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The roster contains 12 players set to attend their first senior camp, including seven teenagers, signalling a deliberate generational shift at the start of the 2030 cycle.

The most eye-catching call-up is 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan of the Philadelphia Union, who has registered five goals and six assists in his last seven MLS appearances. Pochettino acknowledged Sullivan’s age but was unequivocal about the selection. “He’s only 16, he’s a kid,” the coach said. “But I think the most important [thing] is that we have the opportunity now, because he deserves to join us in the national team.”

Sullivan is joined by fellow teenagers Mathis Albert (17), Adri Mehmeti (17), Julian Hall (18), Peyton Miller (18), Neil Pierre (18) and Justin Ellis (19). Pierre, a 6-foot-7 centre-back and Sullivan’s club teammate in Philadelphia, has also been contributing regularly in MLS. Hall, Mehmeti and Miller have all been first-team starters for their respective MLS clubs throughout the season.

Despite the influx of youth, the squad retains a core of experience. Thirteen members of the World Cup roster are included, among them Tyler Adams, Chris Richards and five players who scored at the tournament: Sebastian Berhalter, Alex Freeman, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman and Auston Trusty.

The absence of several established starters created the opening for Pochettino to cast a wider net. Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun are both returning from extended layoffs and have been left out, while Weston McKennie is currently injured. The U.S. under-20 and under-23 programmes are also not scheduled to reconvene until November, freeing up younger players for consideration at senior level.

Albert, 17, has yet to feature in Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga or Champions League matches this season but played 90 minutes in a German Cup tie in early September and is regarded as a high-ceiling prospect.

“I think it’s a good mix of experience and fresh and new energy,” Pochettino said following Thursday’s announcement. The camp will begin next week at U.S. Soccer’s training centre outside Atlanta.