The USMNT and Mauricio Pochettino rode an impressive September‑October stretch, netting four wins and twelve goals with a largely experimental lineup.
Thirteen newcomers, eight of them teens, impressed, leaving Pochettino with tough choices as he trims the roster to 23 for the Haiti clash on Nov. 14 in Miami and Nov. 17 in Cincinnati.
The United States will host the second leg in Ohio because Haiti’s political turmoil has kept Les Grenadiers off their home turf since June 2021.
Stars such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Folarin Balogun are expected back, but the newcomers who shone in the friendlies still have a shot at a spot.
Goalkeepers
Matt Freese has emerged as Pochettino’s apparent No. 1, earning 20 caps since June 2025; for my money, he remains the safest pick between the posts.
Nashville SC’s Brian Schwake and Barcelona loanee Diego Kochen impressed in the fall, potentially leaping ahead of Matt Turner and Chris Brady for a roster slot.
Defense
Tim Weah, now a defender at Marseille, will almost certainly return, though his exact role is unclear; with Miles Robinson injured and Tim Ream retired, central defense may need two fresh faces.
West Brom’s captain George Campbell and Philadelphia Union prospect Neil Pierre appear best positioned to fill those defensive vacancies.
Midfield
Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie is set to rejoin after an injury layoff, while Atlético Madrid’s Johnny Cardoso could feature if his recent thigh issue resolves.
Attackers
The most eye‑catching attackers from the last break include Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall, Justin Ellis and Mathis Albert.
Pulisic and Balogun, both three‑goal scorers at the World Cup, are fully fit and locked in as starters, and Ricardo Pepi should also make the cut after his rehab.
Given his recent surge, Sullivan is a lock for the squad, and I’m tipping Hall to edge Ellis for a central striker slot based on fall minutes.
Seventeen‑year‑old Albert boasts huge potential; Pochettino must decide between giving him exposure or opting for seasoned talent like Brenden Aaronson, who shines for Leeds United.
Projected 23‑man USMNT squad to face Haiti
Goalkeepers (3)
- Matt Freese
- Diego Kochen
- Brian Schwake
Defenders (8)
- George Campbell
- Sergiño Dest
- Alex Freeman
- Neil Pierre
- Chris Richards
- Antonee Robinson
- Austin Trusty
- Tim Weah
Midfielders (6)
- Tyler Adams
- Sebastian Berhalter
- Weston McKennie
- Yunus Musah
- Gio Reyna
- Malik Tillman
Attackers (6)
- Brenden Aaronson
- Folarin Balogun
- Julian Hall
- Ricardo Pepi
- Christian Pulisic
- Cavan Sullivan
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