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USMNT prepares for friendlies as Pochettino evaluates young strikers

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 26, 2026, 12:02 AM

Last updated Sep 26, 2026

USMNT prepares for friendlies as Pochettino evaluates young strikers

Summary

The U.S. Men's National Team is set to play its first international match since the 2026 FIFA World Cup, facing Peru in Orlando, Florida, on September 25. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino emphasizes the importance of this match, aiming to identify young strikers to strengthen the team for the 2030 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which begin in 2028. Pochettino selected five new forwards with limited international experience, who have a collective total of six appearances without a goal. Among them are Damion Downs, Cole Campbell, Justin Ellis, Julian Hall, and Cavan Sullivan, all under 23 years old. This fresh roster focuses on developing talent for the upcoming competitive cycle.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•USMNT faces Peru in a friendly on September 25.
•Mauricio Pochettino emphasizes finding young talent.
•Five selected strikers have zero international goals.
•Qualifying for the 2030 World Cup starts in 2028.
•Pochettino aims to build team chemistry and experience.

Latest Updates

12:02 AMYahoo Sports — Why USMNT Coach Pochettino Is Doing Some Forward Thinking

What they're saying

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The U.S. Men's National Team will play its four friendlies to start its cycle to qualify for the 2030 World Cup as head coach Mauricio Pochettino will look at five young strikers of the future.
— Yahoo Sports

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