The United States faces Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals, kicking off at Miami’s Nu Stadium on Saturday, Nov 14, before a return leg at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium three days later. With Mauricio Pochettino tipped as Manchester United’s next manager, his tenure could end before he names his final USMNT squads.
If Pochettino departs, the Stars and Stripes’ early build‑up for upcoming tournaments—including the 2030 World Cup—could be rattled. Already, a batch of uncapped prospects earned senior caps in four home‑soil friendlies, each ending in victory.
Among those fresh faces, keeper Diego Kochen, breakout midfielder Cavan Sullivan and forwards Julian Hall and Justin Ellis—both already on the scoresheet—have secured spots for the first two competitive matches since the 2026 World Cup.
Kochen makes a case for the No. 1 spot
Kochen, on loan at Danish side Lyngby from Barcelona, may have earned a start after a solid 3‑0 win over Mexico in October. While Matt Freese was the World Cup’s No. 1, his confidence seems shaky, opening the door for Kochen or Nashville’s Brian Schwake between the posts.
In central defence, Auston Trusty logged heavy minutes alongside Chris Richards during the autumn friendlies, positioning him to possibly start ahead of George Campbell.
The only cloud over the Celtic centre‑back is his recent absence from club matches following his father’s death.
Sullivan pushing for a starting spot
Full‑back slots are likely to go to Alex Freeman and Antonee Robinson, leaving Sergiño Dest’s role in question.
New captain Tyler Adams will marshal the midfield with Weston McKennie, who returns after missing the friendlies with injury.
Dest could shift to an attacking right‑wing role, yet any coach will struggle to bench Sullivan when the Philadelphia Union prodigy is on fire. For my money, the 17‑year‑old is poised to become America’s first true soccer superstar.
With Gio Reyna sidelined by injury, Malik Tillman—who shone at the World Cup—and the back‑from‑injury Christian Pulisic bring experience and flair to the attacking midfield.
Hall and Ellis combined for five goals in the fall friendlies, but Balogun, fresh off a three‑goal World Cup haul, is expected to remain the lead striker.
Projected USMNT lineup against Haiti – can this eleven push the United States into the semifinals?
Kochen; Freeman, Richards, Trusty, Robinson; Adams, McKennie; Sullivan, Tillman, Pulisic; Balogun
Get closer to the action! Whether you favor European soccer or the game here, our AS USA app delivers live coverage, expert analysis, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. It also tracks NFL, NBA and other major sports, plus the latest entertainment and current‑affairs stories. Download now for all‑access coverage at your fingertips anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite‑sized visual takes on the biggest soccer news and insights.