Mauricio Pochettino has left Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun out of his first United States squad since the 2026 World Cup, while 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan has received his first call-up.

Pochettino selected 28 players for four friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. The squad includes 13 players who could make their senior international debuts. Sullivan is the most notable newcomer.

The Philadelphia Union forward will be two days short of his 17th birthday when the United States faces Peru, and could become the country’s youngest men’s international since Freddy Adu made his debut in 2006 if he plays.

Why Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun Were Left Out of the USMNT Squad

Pulisic has been omitted after an injury-hit period with the United States and AC Milan.

The 27-year-old suffered a microfracture to his right tibia and fibula during the World Cup and only made his first appearance of the new club season the previous weekend, according to AP.

Balogun has also been left out after failing to play for Monaco this season. AP reported that a potential move to Everton fell through before the striker remained at the French club.

France 24 reported that both players were recovering from injuries, but U.S. Soccer has not provided detailed medical reasons for either omission.

Their omission does not mean they have been ruled out of future United States squads. Neither player has retired from international football, and Pochettino did not publicly say whether the decisions were based on fitness, club minutes, form, or other factors.

What Cavan Sullivan’s First USMNT Call-Up Means for the United States’ 2030 World Cup

Sullivan has been selected after a breakthrough season with Philadelphia Union. He has no senior international caps and is one of 13 players in the squad who could make their senior debut.

His inclusion allows Pochettino to assess one of the youngest players in the USMNT system during the opening matches of the next World Cup cycle.

Sullivan is listed among the forwards in the squad, alongside Cole Campbell, Justin Ellis, Julian Hall and Ricardo Pepi. Pepi is the only forward in that group with senior international experience. Sullivan has nine goals and 15 assists.

How Much Has Mauricio Pochettino Changed the USMNT Squad Since the 2026 World Cup?

Only 13 members of the United States’ 26-man World Cup squad have been retained, according to AP.

The returning players include Matt Freese, Chris Brady, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty, Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, and Ricardo Pepi.

Yunus Musah is also back after not appearing for the United States since March 2025. The number of new faces means the squad changes extend beyond replacing Pulisic or Balogun.

Twelve MLS players are included, while eight teenagers are part of the squad.

When will the United States play?

The USMNT will begin the new cycle against Peru in Orlando on September 26 before facing Chile in St. Louis three days later. The United States will then play Mexico in Glendale on October 3 and Canada in St. Paul on October 6.

The matches are friendlies, but they will give Pochettino an opportunity to assess the squad before the United States return to competitive action in the Concacaf Nations League quarter-finals in November.

U.S. Soccer has announced that the first leg will be played away on November 14, followed by the home leg in Cincinnati on November 17.