Pochettino Mixes Veterans and Young Prospects for Haiti Series

The United States men's national team will resume competitive action against Haiti on Nov. 14 and Nov. 17. The two Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal matches will decide which teams advance to the last four.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino selected a 25-man roster that balances experienced regulars with emerging talent. The squad includes three goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders, and five forwards. Familiar names such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Folarin Balogun have returned to the group after resting during the previous international windows in September and October.

Pochettino also called up Julian Hall and Cavan Sullivan, who attended their first senior camp earlier this year. The manager gave Hall and Justin Ellis opportunities to earn playing time against Haiti because Balogun is not fully fit. Pochettino confirmed that neither Balogun nor Ricardo Pepi has reached full fitness, which is why only Balogun was included in this specific window. "That is why we didn't want to bring both, because I think both are not 100%, but I think the combination of Balogun, Ellis, and Hall I think is perfect," Pochettino said.

The squad features two players seeking their first senior caps. Nashville SC defender Reed Baker-Whiting will be part of the group for the first time. Santiago Castaneda, a midfielder for Paderborn who is also eligible to represent Colombia, joins the camp for his first appearance with the national team.

The forward line is deep and productive. Pulisic signed a new contract with AC Milan recently and scored twice in his last three club matches. Sebastian Berhalter and Gio Reyna are also in strong form. Hall has been the most prolific scorer in the group, recording 13 goals for Red Bull New York in Major League Soccer and three goals for the national team. He added three more goals in six club appearances since returning from his first senior camp.

Injuries have complicated the defensive lineup. Miles Robinson and Johnny Cardoso are dealing with fitness issues. Tim Weah and Yunus Musah were left out as younger players filled their positions. George Campbell was substituted at halftime of West Bromwich Albion's most recent match due to injury. He must pass a late fitness test to join the camp. Pochettino recalled Campbell and Neil Pierre to demonstrate their progress after a difficult previous camp. Chris Richards and Auston Trusty remain central to the defense, but other defenders must be ready to step in at any moment.

Pochettino emphasized the value of Borussia Dortmund midfielder Mathis Albert, who has limited playing time at his club. "For me, Matias is one of the most talented players in the USA," Pochettino said. The manager noted that Albert is fully fit and can bring a different dimension to the team while rebuilding his confidence during the camp.

Camp opens on Monday with a focus on balance and experimentation. Pulisic and Albert will train together for the first time. "From Monday, we are going to start to see the chemistry off the field, but also on the field that is really important too," Pochettino said. A U-23 camp will operate simultaneously. The national team tracks more than 100 players, and these matches will help determine which athletes stay with the senior side and which move to the U-23 group.