Pulisic Remained Off USMNT Roster for Fall Matches
The star forward missed exhibition games to prioritize fitness recovery following a leg injury.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Soccer
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Christian Pulisic was absent from the 28-man United States Men's National Team roster announced on September 17, 2026. The move allowed the AC Milan player to focus on physical recovery after sustaining a leg injury during the July 2026 World Cup match against Belgium.
Why it matters
Coach Mauricio Pochettino opted to leave several veterans out of the current international window to evaluate a new generation of players. This roster selection aims to test young talent as the program looks toward development for the 2030 World Cup cycle.
The roster features 13 uncapped players selected by Mauricio Pochettino, who is 54. This includes 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan of the Philadelphia Union, who recently made his debut in a 4-1 victory over Peru.
The players
Christian Pulisic
He is a prominent forward for AC Milan and a central figure in the United States Men's National Team.
Mauricio Pochettino
He is the 54-year-old head coach tasked with overseeing the USMNT squad and long-term program development.
Cavan Sullivan
He is a 16-year-old talent currently playing for the Philadelphia Union who earned his first senior team debut.
The details
Mauricio Pochettino omitted established veterans including Pulisic, Balogun, Pepi, and McKennie to prioritize fitness management and scouting new prospects. Pulisic, who holds 90 caps for the national team, returned to club action for AC Milan on September 20 following his injury.
Timeline
July 2026: Pulisic suffered a leg injury during the World Cup match against Belgium.
September 17, 2026: Mauricio Pochettino announced the 28-man squad list.
September 20, 2026: Pulisic made his first AC Milan start after returning to play.
October 6, 2026: Article publication date.
Season Trajectory
This roster overhaul marks a shift in how the national team manages its veteran core while prioritizing youth integration for the 2030 World Cup. By testing 13 uncapped players, the coaching staff is expanding the depth chart ahead of future competitive qualification windows.
The absence of veterans like Pulisic and McKennie provides significant minutes to younger prospects like Cavan Sullivan during these exhibition matches. This shift forces a change in the starting rotation for upcoming games against opponents like Mexico.
The takeaway
Managing player fitness and integrating youth are necessary steps to ensure a deep talent pool for upcoming tournament cycles. Fans should look for how these young prospects perform in the absence of established stars to gauge the team's future depth.
Further reading
For more information on squad updates and player development, visit the Soccer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by As.
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