USMNT picks MLS core for September friendlies as World Cup prep continues
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has named a 22-man squad for a September window that features 12 MLS players, with one additional call-up to be confirmed, as the team continues its build toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
September friendlies
– Sept. 6 vs. South Korea, 5 p.m. ET, Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, New Jersey
– Sept. 9 vs. Japan, 7:30 p.m. ET, Lower.com Field, Columbus, Ohio
Context and what it means
– The camp follows the U.S. men’s national team’s loss to Mexico in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup final, a tournament in which European-based stars were missing and MLS players had a chance to stake claims.
– The upcoming matches pit the United States against two World Cup regulars in South Korea and Japan, both among the 13 nations already qualified for the expanded 2026 tournament.
– By leaning on MLS players, Pochettino signals a continued emphasis on homegrown talent as part of a long-term strategy to broaden the player pool ahead of the mid-decade showpiece.
What to watch
– How MLS-based players adapt to international duties against high-caliber Asian opposition.
– The impact of adding one more call-up to complete the 23-man or 22-man setup and how the final roster might balance MLS and European-based talent.
– Early indicators of tactical identity and depth as the World Cup window approaches.
Additional context and outlook
– These September games are part of a broader preparation arc for 2026, with the U.S. aiming to maximize its performance across a crowded calendar in the host nations.
– If MLS players impress, it could accelerate their integration into the national team’s plans and provide a message of depth and resilience for fans ahead of the World Cup.
Summary
The United States is mixing MLS familiarity with high-level competition in September, using friendlies against South Korea and Japan to sharpen form and cohesion as it rounds into World Cup readiness, while a final roster addition remains to be announced.