USMNT’s January camp collaboration with MLS continues under Mauricio Pochettino, promising exciting developments for fans in 2025.
While stars like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie remain committed to their European clubs until the FIFA international window opens in mid-March, U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino will unveil a roster predominantly featuring MLS players for the annual January camp. This marks Pochettino’s inaugural camp since his appointment last September.
Approximately 28 players are expected to gather in Fort Lauderdale on January 7, gearing up for two friendly matches in Florida: one against Venezuela on January 18 at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium, followed by a clash with Concacaf rival Costa Rica in Orlando just four days later.
MLS clubs answer Pochettino’s call
In a recent November Zoom conference, Pochettino emphasized the importance of MLS clubs’ commitment, stating, “In January, we want the commitment of all the MLS clubs.”
This remark was notable, considering the former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Tottenham Hotspur manager had not been prompted about January. Historically, MLS teams have cooperated with the USMNT, even though they are not required to release players for international duty outside FIFA dates.
However, some MLS clubs have opted not to release players in recent years for various reasons. Pochettino aimed to address potential availability issues early on; during last month’s MLS Cup in Los Angeles, he and assistant Jesús Pérez met with Nelson Rodriguez, MLS’s executive vice president of sporting product and competition, to discuss collaboration and planning for the upcoming World Cup on U.S. soil. Pochettino also highlighted that staying in or joining MLS is a viable path for U.S. players aiming for the 2026 roster.
As a result, obtaining releases for MLS players this month is expected to go smoothly. A source familiar with the roster selection process informed FOX Sports that the league has been “very supportive” of Pochettino’s efforts.
Plenty of familiar faces
With many of the USMNT’s regulars engaged in club competitions overseas, Pochettino and his staff are turning to the domestic league’s 29 teams for player recruitment. The MLS players selected for the Argentine’s initial camps of 2024 will provide essential continuity, and many are anticipated to be in Florida next week. World Cup veteran Tim Ream, who transferred from Premier League Fulham to Charlotte last summer, has served as captain in each of Pochettino’s first four matches. At the age of 37, Ream is likely to continue in that leadership role this month.
Miles Robinson, a center back from FC Cincinnati, started Pochettino’s second match, a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in October. Goalkeepers Patrick Schulte and Zack Steffen were included in both the October and November squads, although they did not see any action.
Jesus Ferreira, a veteran from Qatar 2022, is expected to finalize his move from FC Dallas to the Seattle Sounders soon, making him another potential candidate. Brandon Vázquez, also a forward, is drawing interest from multiple MLS teams and is likely to leave LigaMX powerhouse Monterrey shortly.
Vázquez, who has been a substitute in the USMNT’s final three games of 2024, is among the players to watch. Meanwhile, New York City defender/midfielder James Sands will not join the national team this month due to his loan to St. Pauli in Germany’s Bundesliga, with his last cap occurring in July 2023.
Opportunity knocks for all
This January camp also opens doors for veterans who may catch Pochettino’s eye. Walker Zimmerman, the longtime captain of Nashville SC and a starting defender at the 2022 World Cup and 2024 Olympics, is just 31 and brings valuable experience and leadership to the squad.
Goalkeeper Brad Guzan, known for his impressive performances against Lionel Messi’s Miami during last fall’s MLS playoffs, could be a surprise inclusion for Pochettino, particularly given the current lack of depth behind No. 1 Matt Turner.
Drake Callender, the Inter Miami goalkeeper, is another option. At 27, he has been named to U.S. rosters in both 2023 and 2024 but is still seeking his first cap.
Historically, the January camp serves as a vital platform for young prospects eager to prove their worth to the national team.
Notably, nine members of the 2022 World Cup squad earned their first or second caps during a January camp. This trend includes many of the program’s all-time greats, such as joint top scorers Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan.
