Pochettino announces definitive 26-man USMNT Gold Cup squad

Without many surprises compared to the preliminary squad list which Mauricio Pochettino unveiled a few weeks ago for the United States’ upcoming friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland, the official 26-player roster for this summer’s Gold Cup was announced on Thursday.

Key players missing from USMNT Gold Cup squad

While key players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Gio Reyna will be absent, the lineup features exciting newcomers, offering valuable opportunities for younger talents. The finalized roster largely consists of those currently training in camp ahead of the upcoming friendlies, signaling continuity and strategic development for the national team.

For the first time, the USMNT will feature six players making their Gold Cup debut - a notable aspect of Pochettino’s roster. The squad includes goalkeepers Matt Freese and Chris Brady, as well as Nathan Harriel, Alex Freeman, Sebastian Berhalter, Quinn Sullivan, and Damion Downs.

One of the major absences from the Gold Cup squad is Sergiño Dest, who has been training with the squad. However, due to medical considerations and a focus on his full recovery ahead of the critical 2025-26 season leading into the World Cup, the decision was made to exclude him from the tournament. His spot will be filled by John Tolkin.

Pochettino shared his excitement with US Soccer about working with this group, emphasizing his ambition to claim his first title at the helm of the USMNT.

“We are extremely excited to work with this group of players and compete for the championship,” the coach said.“Of course, our priority is to win the tournament and to show the right mentality and approach, and we are confident these players will take advantage of the opportunity.”.

The USMNT’s 2025 Gold Cup schedule

The United States open their Gold Cup campaign against Trinidad and Tobago on June 15 at PayPal Park in San Jose.

They face invited guests Saudi Arabia,four days later at Q2 Stadium in Austin before concluding the group phase against Haiti at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on June 22.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage. The winners of Group D will face the runners-up from Group C, while the team that finishes second will face the Group C champions.

The final will be held on July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston,

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