USMNT Misses Pulisic, Musah, Key Stars for Gold Cup Squad

The U.S. men's national soccer team will enter the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup without several key players, including Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna. Pulisic and Musah are sidelined due to Pulisic's need for recovery after a demanding season with AC Milan and ongoing minor injuries, while McKennie, Weah, and Reyna are participating in the FIFA Club World Cup, which FIFA has prioritized over national team duties. This absence significantly weakens the U.S. squad ahead of the regional tournament, which serves as their final competitive matches before hosting the 2026 World Cup. Coach Mauricio Pochettino announced a 27-man squad that includes some fresh faces but faces challenges due to the missing core players. The Gold Cup group's first matches begin in mid-June, with the U.S. aiming to rebound from poor performances in the recent CONCACAF Nations League. The team will also welcome back Sergiño Dest after injury and integrate younger players like Alex Freeman and Sebastian Berhalter into the roster.