US coach Pochettino bets on youth for upcoming friendlies

US coach Mauricio Pochettino is placing faith in young talent for the nation's upcoming friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada. In his first major assignment, Pochettino has selected a 28-man squad featuring 13 uncapped players, with veteran Christian Pulisic notably absent. Pochettino, who agreed to lead the team through the 2030 World Cup, explained that the roster represents the best players the US has to offer.

Among the selected players is 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, who has impressed with his performances for the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer. Pochettino emphasized the importance of providing opportunities to young players as the US moves forward in preparation for the 2027 Gold Cup, 2028 Olympics and the 2030 World Cup. He stressed that football is about today, and the team is built on the principle of seizing opportunities in the present.

The US will face Peru on September 26 in Orlando, Chile on September 29 in St. Louis, Mexico on October 3 in Glendale, and Canada on October 6 in St. Paul, Minnesota.