Reed Baker-Whiting could make his senior debut this month after the Nashville left‑back received his inaugural USMNT roster spot on Wednesday.
“Important to add more options”
The 21‑year‑old is one of only two uncapped names in the squad that will meet Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League quarters, alongside Paderborn midfielder Santiago Castañeda.
“Adding depth is crucial for us,” USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino said after unveiling the 25‑man list.
Pochettino noted that Baker‑Whiting, Castañeda and newly‑capped Bryan Reynolds — the latter’s first appearance under the coach — now enjoy a “very good chance” to cement their spots in the US setup as the team launches a fresh World Cup cycle.
They deserve the chance to prove themselves, Pochettino added.
Reed Baker‑Whiting – key facts:
His first USMNT call follows an impressive MLS campaign with Nashville, where the $800,000 February signing from Seattle Sounders has logged 26 appearances as the club tops the league table.
Nashville not only captured its maiden Supporters’ Shield, it also matched MLS’s single‑season points record of 74. B.J. Callaghan’s side could eclipse that mark, set by Inter Miami in 2024, when they host Cincinnati on Saturday’s final matchday.
A versatile talent who can also play right‑back or midfield, he has contributed two goals and two assists this season. Last month, the Seattle native earned a spot on MLS’s annual list of the 22 best under‑22 players. For my money, his impact signals he’s ready for the next level.
His senior call‑up caps a rapid climb through the USMNT youth system. He featured in the American squad that reached the 2025 U‑20 World Cup quarter‑finals, playing in four of the five Chile matches.
Full USMNT roster for Haiti clash:
Goalkeepers: Matt Freese (New York City FC), Diego Kochen (Lyngby), Brian Schwake (Nashville)
Defenders: Reed Baker-Whiting (Nashville SC), George Campbell (West Brom), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union;), Bryan Reynolds (Rennes), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Auston Trusty (Celtic)
Midfielders: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Mathis Albert (Borussia Dortmund), Sebastian Berhalter (Middlesbrough), Santiago Castañeda (Paderborn), Weston McKennie (Juventus/), Adri Mehmeti (New York Red Bulls), Gio Reyna (Strasbourg), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)
Forwards: Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Justin Ellis (Orlando City), Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)
USMNT vs Haiti: schedule, venue, streaming?
In the 2026/27 Nations League quarters, the USMNT meets Haiti over two legs — both on US soil. Ongoing security issues force the ‘home’ first leg to Miami, with the return in Cincinnati three days later.
The victor not only advances to the final four in Los Angeles in March 2027, but also secures automatic entry to next summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup.
First leg – Saturday, November 14, 4:30 p.m. ET:
- Haiti vs USMNT, Nu Stadium, Miami, FL
Second leg – Tuesday, November 17, 7:00 p.m. ET:
- USMNT vs Haiti, TQL Stadium, Cincinnati, OH Will his versatility help the USMNT reach the Gold Cup final?
American fans can catch both fixtures on TBS, truTV, Universo, HBO Max and Peacock.
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