The vibes are high but the experience is low as the US men’s national team gears up for a fresh start today. Following their exit in the last 16 of the 2026 World Cup, head coach Mauricio Pochettino is shaking things up, leaving out big names like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Folarin Balogun to make room for a new generation.
A new squad, a new direction
This isn't just a random game—it’s the start of a whole new cycle. The USMNT is set to face Peru, followed by Chile, Mexico, and Canada, as they look to build a foundation for the future. The roster is lowkey wild with how many newcomers there are, especially in the attack. Damion Downs is the only forward with an existing cap, while rising stars like Cole Campbell, Justin Ellis, Julian Hall, and teenage sensation Cavan Sullivan are all looking for their first minutes on the international stage.
Other young players like Mathis Albert, Zavier Gozo, Neil Pierre, Brooklyn Raines, and Frankie Westfield are also waiting for their chance to debut. Real talk, it’s going to be interesting to see how this group meshes.
The main character to watch
If you're only paying attention to one person, make it Cavan Sullivan. The 16-year-old is officially living his best life after scoring six goals in six games for the Philadelphia Union, earning him a well-deserved first call-up to the national team. He’s got the hype, and now he’s got the W—or at least the chance to get one—on the field. Peru is also in a rebuilding phase after missing out on this year’s World Cup, so they’re coming into this friendly looking to set the tone for their own comeback.
Why it matters
After keeping his job post-World Cup, Pochettino is officially all-in on grooming the next wave of American talent. This match is the ultimate litmus test to see if these rookies can hang at the international level.
