Sullivan, USMNT's gifted next generation kick-start road to 2030 World Cup

United States men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino announced his squad on Thursday for a series of four upcoming exhibition matches, blending rising prospects with seasoned competitors. Among the fresh faces receiving call-ups are 16-year-old Philadelphia Union prospect Cavan Sullivan, Red Bull New York's Adri Mehmeti, Crystal Palace's Zavier Gozo, Lyngby Boldklub goalkeeper Diego Kochen, and Union defensive pair Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield.

To mentor the newcomers both on and off the pitch, the roster also features 13 players from the recent World Cup squad, including Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, and Ricardo Pepi.

The training camp serves as an early evaluation period ahead of World Cup qualifying in two years, while also bridging the pipeline to youth development. Steve Cherundolo, the under-23 squad's coach for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, will join the camp to assess the assembled talent alongside Pochettino.