USMNT Faces Roster Gaps as Pulisic, Musah, Robinson Skip Gold Cup

The United States men's national soccer team will enter the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup with a significantly depleted roster as key players Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Antonee Robinson, Joe Scally, Josh Sargent, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna are all absent due to a combination of rest, injuries, and club commitments prioritized by FIFA's expanded Club World Cup. Pulisic, the team's top player, voluntarily withdrew to rest after extensive playing time over the past two seasons, a decision supported by U.S. Soccer officials who cited his heavy match load and need for recovery. Coach Mauricio Pochettino has responded by calling up younger talents such as Alex Freeman, Sebastian Berhalter, Damion Downs, and Quinn Sullivan to inject fresh energy into the squad, while also welcoming back Sergiño Dest and Folarin Balogun from injury. Despite these challenges, Pochettino emphasizes the importance of building a fighting spirit and culture within the team as they prepare for their final competitive matches before the 2026 World Cup. The Gold Cup will serve as a critical testing ground with only a few training windows remaining before the World Cup, highlighting the balancing act between player welfare and international ambitions. The U.S. will face Trinidad and Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti in the group stage, aiming to demonstrate resilience despite the roster setbacks.