USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino just dropped his first roster for the new four-year World Cup cycle, and his sights are locked on one thing: Olympic gold in 2028. On Thursday, Pochettino unveiled a 26-man senior U.S. national team roster, clearly prioritizing youth.
Youth Movement Goes Full Throttle
Seriously, this roster is wild. Regular superstars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Folarin Balogun? Omitted. Instead, we’ve got a whole swath of young players, many of them teenagers, including 13 uncapped players with eight still in their teens! While a long-term approach in low-stakes friendly matches is common for a new World Cup cycle, Pochettino’s specific admission about the real target is what truly matters. This isn’t just about 2030, folks.
Olympic Gold is the Real Target
Pochettino laid it all out: “The objective is to win a gold medal.” He told reporters the 2028 Olympics are the immediate priority. The U.S. Soccer Federation actually asked him to help build this pathway, working closely with U23 coach Steve Cernundolo and the youth system. They know “this is going to be really important for soccer [in this country] that we provide a very competitive team.” With the 2028 games hitting U.S. soil, primarily in Los Angeles, this isn’t just some exhibition. Men’s Olympic soccer is largely a youth tournament, with rosters limited to under-23 players plus three exceptions. Pochettino’s squad is bursting with eligible talent: 12 players currently 21 years old or younger can absolutely be there in 2028.
Cavan Sullivan Hype Is Beyond Real
And leading that charge is a name you’re gonna want to remember: Cavan Sullivan. This kid is a teenage sensation, only 16 years old, already starring for the Philadelphia Union. Oh, and he’s got a massive transfer to Man City signed and sealed, just waiting for him to turn 18 to legally work in the UK. Pochettino is absolutely buzzing, saying, “He deserves all the praise he is getting… because he is performing well, playing well, he is giving assists and scoring goals.” Yeah, he’s a kid and “needs to show and improve and evolve and needs to be more mature,” but the coach made it clear: “we have the opportunity now [to bring him in] because he deserves t[o].” Julian Hall also got his first senior call-up, calling it a “dream.” This youth movement is absolutely electric!
So, what’s next? These guys are hitting the pitch for four friendly matches against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada over the next two weeks. This isn’t just about exhibition games. This is our first real look at the core of the team that could bring home Olympic gold in 2028. It’s about seeing who steps up, who earns their spot, and who starts building that “very competitive team” Pochettino is dreaming of. Get ready, because the future of USMNT is starting now.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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