Christian Pulisic excluded from USMNT roster for upcoming friendlies
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 5:15 PM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
Christian Pulisic has been left off the initial USMNT roster for upcoming matches against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada as Mauricio Pochettino begins his second term as head coach. The 28-year-old's nonselection follows a disappointing performance at the 2022 World Cup, where he struggled with injuries. Sixteen-year-old Cavan Sullivan, among 13 debutants named in the 28-player squad, could make history as the youngest player to represent the national team in 20 years. Yunus Musah also returns to the national setup, having last played for the team in March 2025. The friendlies are scheduled to take place from September 26 to October 6, 2026, across four different cities.
- •Pulisic misses selection for friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada.
- •Cavan Sullivan could become the youngest U.S. player in 20 years.
- •Yunus Musah returns to the national team after an 18-month absence.
- •Pochettino begins his second term as head coach with a revamped squad.
- 5:15 PMYahoo Sports — USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino on dropping Christian Pulisic and selecting ‘special’ Cavan Sullivan
- 5:11 PMYahoo Sports — Cavan Sullivan among newcomers to USMNT roster for first camp since 2026 World Cup
- 4:43 PMYahoo Sports — Christian Pulisic snubbed for first USMNT roster since World Cup
"Mauricio Pochettino has named his first U.S. Men's National Team roster since the FIFA World Cup, with Christian Pulisic dropped and rising star Cavan Sullivan called up ahead of his potential debut
"USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino unveils roster for fall friendlies, including 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan.
"Mauricio Pochettino could hand an international debut to 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 5:15 PMUSMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino on dropping Christian Pulisic and selecting ‘special’ Cavan Sullivan
Mauricio Pochettino has named his first U.S. Men's National Team roster since the FIFA World Cup, with Christian Pulisic dropped and rising star Cavan Sullivan called up ahead of his potential debut
- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 5:11 PMCavan Sullivan among newcomers to USMNT roster for first camp since 2026 World Cup
USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino unveils roster for fall friendlies, including 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan.
- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 4:43 PMChristian Pulisic snubbed for first USMNT roster since World Cup
Mauricio Pochettino could hand an international debut to 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan
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