Mauricio Pochettino’s first USMNT roster prominently features veteran goalkeeper Zack Steffen, marking a significant return for the experienced shot-stopper. Steffen’s inclusion is a key highlight, as he steps back into the national spotlight after a hiatus from international play.
The roster, revealed on Wednesday, is headlined by Christian Pulisic, the captain and AC Milan standout. Pochettino’s 25-player lineup is set to face Panama next week and Mexico on October 15. Juventus players Weston McKennie and Tim Weah also made the cut, alongside long-time USMNT contributors such as Brenden Aaronson, Tim Ream, Yunus Musah, and Matt Turner.
Zack Steffen, who served as the USMNT’s primary goalkeeper throughout much of the 2022 World Cup cycle, has not donned the national jersey since aiding in the qualification for the Qatar tournament in March 2022. His absence from the World Cup squad was notable, as former coach Gregg Berhalter opted for Matt Turner, who started all four matches during the tournament. This season, the 29-year-old Steffen transitioned from Manchester City to the Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer.
Pochettino expressed confidence in Steffen’s abilities, stating, “We know him, and I think he deserved the opportunity to be with us. I think it’s a good opportunity to see him and analyze. But not only with him, with all the players.” Steffen is among four players from MLS included in the roster, joining Charlotte FC’s Tim Ream, Columbus Crew’s Patrick Schulte, and FC Cincinnati’s Miles Robinson.
The squad will gather in Austin, Texas, on Sunday in preparation for the match against Los Canaleros on October 12.
Pochettino’s complete roster is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath, Cardiff City (Wales); Patrick Schulte, Columbus Crew (MLS); Zack Steffen, Colorado Rapids (MLS); Matt Turner, Crystal Palace (England)
Defenders: Marlon Fossey, Standard Liege (Belgium); Kristoffer Lund, Palermo (Italy); Mark McKenzie, Toulouse (France); Tim Ream, Charlotte FC (MLS); Antonee Robinson, Fulham (England); Miles Robinson, Cincinnati (MLS); Joe Scally, Borussia Mönchengladbach (Germany); Auston Trusty, Celtic (Scotland)
Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson, Leeds United (England); Gianluca Busio, Venezia (Italy); Johnny Cardoso, Real Betis (Spain); Weston McKennie, Juventus (Italy); Aidan Morris, Middlesbrough (England); Yunus Musah, AC Milan (Italy); Malik Tillman, PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)
Forwards: Folarin Balogun, Monaco (France); Ricardo Pepi, PSV Eindhoven; Christian Pulisic, AC Milan; Josh Sargent, Norwich City (England); Timothy Weah, Juventus; Haji Wright, Coventry City (England)
Injuries have sidelined several key players. Midfielder Tyler Adams is recovering from back surgery after the Copa América, while right back Sergiño Dest is out with a torn ACL, expected to return early next year. Forward Gio Reyna has been absent from Borussia Dortmund due to a hamstring issue sustained during USMNT training. Chris Richards also missed out due to a hamstring injury, and Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers was unable to play due to a sore toe.
Pochettino, who took over as coach on September 10, replaced Gregg Berhalter, who was let go after the team’s disappointing exit from the U.S.-hosted Copa América. Looking ahead, the United States will co-host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
The new coach is cautious about implementing drastic changes right away. “We’ve started to follow some very good players who I think have the potential and maybe are not now on the roster,” he noted. “But for sure they’re going to be on the roster in the future.”
With or without a new coach, the USMNT faces motivation in its upcoming October matches. Panama previously surprised the U.S. in the Copa América, and Mexico remains a fierce rival. The U.S. has gone unbeaten against El Tri in their last seven encounters, including a 2-0 victory in the 2024 Concacaf Nations League final, but has struggled historically south of the border, with only one win in 28 attempts.
One of Pochettino’s immediate challenges will be to rebuild the team’s confidence after a challenging summer. “We want to start from the first day working and helping them to perform and to feel confidence because I think the talent is there,” he stated. Having only met one player, left back Antonee Robinson, since taking on the role, Pochettino emphasized the importance of creating a positive atmosphere for the players.
“They need to be happy,” Pochettino added. “We are going to enjoy playing football. I need them to play with freedom.”
