STATE FARM STADIUM (Glendale, Ariz.) – What an incredible occasion for your first start with the U.S. men’s national team!
Just a week after his senior international debut during the USA’s 4-1 victory over Peru, 20-year-old Barcelona goalkeeper Diego Kochen was selected by coach Mauricio Pochettino to play in the highly anticipated match against fierce rivals Mexico, held near Phoenix in front of a sold-out crowd of 64,000 at the Arizona Cardinals’ stadium.
Cavan Sullivan, who just celebrated his 17th birthday, also made Pochettino’s starting eleven. He previously started against Peru—making history as the second-youngest starter in the U.S. men’s program’s 113 years, and came off the bench during the team’s recent 4-2 win over Chile in St. Louis.
Kochen was chosen over Matt Freese, who played in goal for all five of the U.S. matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Chris Brady and Brian Schwake are the other two goalkeepers on Pochettino’s current roster.
During his 45 minutes against Peru, Kochen kept a clean sheet. Brady and Schwake each allowed one goal in their halves during the match against Chile. The Stars and Stripes will conclude this extended four-game international window with a game against Canada on Tuesday in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Though he didn’t make the World Cup roster, Kochen participated as a training keeper during the U.S. camp before the tournament. Following this, FC Barcelona loaned him to Danish club Lyngby for the 2026-27 season, where he has secured one clean sheet in nine Danish Superliga matches, conceding a total of 16 goals.
Pochettino, a seasoned manager with experience at clubs like Tottenham, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, stated at a pre-match press conference that his lineup would blend seasoned players with fresh talent. Key figures like two-time World Cup participants Antonee Robinson, Gio Reyna, and Tyler Adams—who has been named U.S. captain for this match—complete the squad. The team also features 2026 World Cup scorers Alex Freeman, Sebastian Berhalter, and Auston Trusty.
Eighteen-year-old Red Bull New York striker Julian Hall, who found the net in his first two U.S. appearances last month, will lead the attack against Mexico, marking his second consecutive start.
Fan Take: This news highlights the promising future of American soccer, with young talents like Kochen and Sullivan stepping into key roles. Their performances could play a significant role in shaping the team’s success in upcoming competitions and engaging more fans in the growth of the sport in the U.S.
Source: www.foxsports.com
