USMNT Pochettino Names 22-Man Roster Excluding McKennie, Includes Pulisic

U.S. Men’s National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino has announced a 22-player roster for September friendlies against South Korea and Japan, marking the return of Christian Pulisic while notably excluding Weston McKennie. Pochettino clarified that McKennie’s absence is strategic, aimed at allowing him to rest and settle into his club following a demanding schedule, rather than due to disciplinary reasons. Pulisic's return follows his decision to skip the Gold Cup for rest and recovery, with Pochettino emphasizing there are no lingering issues between them, focusing instead on moving forward. The coach stressed that no player has a guaranteed spot, highlighting his approach to maintain a balanced squad by mixing seasoned players with emerging talents while managing player fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Pulisic defended his commitment amid criticism for skipping the Gold Cup, and Pochettino supported the decision as the best for both Pulisic and the team. Other key players like Gio Reyna and Johnny Cardoso were also left out to allow them to consolidate their roles at their clubs and create opportunities for new faces.