TEMPE, Ariz. — The inaugural U.S. training camp following the World Cup showcased over a dozen enthusiastic young talents eager to catch coach Mauricio Pochettino’s eye during this four-match period.
Yunus Musah, at 23 years old and in good form with his club, embodies the archetype of a player ready for international chances as a new four-year cycle begins.
What distinguishes Musah is that he has previously participated in a World Cup—specifically, the tournament four years ago in Qatar, not the recent event held in North America.
Having started all four matches in Qatar in 2022, the midfielder is making a comeback after being absent for 18 months. With 49 caps for the U.S.—the third most on the current roster—he’s only slightly older than some players who recently made their debuts.
Reflecting on the camp’s youthful atmosphere, Musah remarked, “It brings back memories of my first camp [in 2020]. I was in their position, so I completely understand their excitement and recognize where they stand; it’s nice to look back.”
Looking ahead, after an 18-month hiatus, Musah played 62 minutes in the 4-1 win against Peru on September 26 in Orlando. He followed that by contributing 25 minutes in the 3-0 victory over Mexico on Saturday in Glendale, Arizona, after missing a match against Chile.
The U.S. will wrap up this period with a match against Canada on Tuesday in St. Paul.
Musah is working to re-establish his presence on the U.S. national team after missing the 2026 World Cup and experiencing a frustrating loan season with Atalanta. “It’s certainly been a while since I’ve been in camp, and it’s easy to forget how young he is still and how many future World Cups he could potentially be a part of,” said team captain Tyler Adams. “We want to get the best out of him every day, and he is pushing to show he belongs here.”
Musah has returned to the squad simply because he’s been consistently playing for AC Milan, the prestigious club also featuring U.S. star Christian Pulisic. “It feels like a reward for the strong start I’ve had this season, and I believe it’s well-deserved,” he shared. “I’ve performed impressively for a big club like Milan, and it makes sense to be back on the national stage.”
Musah, who had a challenging loan spell at Atalanta, has now played the full 90 minutes in several Serie A games and participated as a substitute in the most recent matches. After leaving Atalanta in June, he received encouraging words from Milan’s new manager, Ruben Amorim, about his value to the team.
Initially skeptical of the manager’s reassurances, Musah acknowledged, “I was cautious. I assumed it was just typical management talk to keep me at the club.”
As the preseason unfolded and Musah found his footing, Amorim’s optimistic outlook proved accurate, confirming his inclusion in Milan’s plans. “Having managers who trust in me is essential; you want them to believe in you,” he emphasized.
Pochettino shares this sentiment, noting, “Yunus is still young. He may not have participated in the last World Cup, but his performance at the start of this season is why we’ve brought him back into the fold.”
Musah was active for the U.S. under Pochettino’s initiation in October 2024, scoring his sole international goal in the coach’s debut. However, his international career faced an unexpected halt, attributed to missed opportunities in the CONCACAF Nations League and his decision to skip the 2025 Gold Cup to focus on family and recovery from a taxing club season.
Reflecting on that time, he remarked, “The last months were intense both in terms of fan expectations and the club’s situation,” explaining he needed to prioritize his family moments with his newborn daughter. Musah believed it was crucial to mentally prepare for the upcoming season, opting not to participate in the Gold Cup, which was the last competition before the 2026 World Cup.
In hindsight, Musah felt growing concerns about his international future as the club season progressed. “You start sensing it as the season unfolds,” he said, noting that it appeared he would miss out on the World Cup.
While friends played in the tournament at home, Musah refrained from watching and opted to disconnect, spending summer travels with his wife and daughter, exploring Ghana and enjoying Zanzibar’s beaches and local cuisine.
“Typically, my summers are about disconnecting,” he shared. Four years ago, the New York-born midfielder seemed set to spend summer after summer with the U.S. national team, but now he aims to work his way back into that role.
With Amorim’s support, Musah is slowly regaining his confidence. “His positivity and clarity on strategies have made a huge difference,” he expressed, noting how this helps him approach games with a clear mindset.
Musah continues to play alongside veteran stars like Luka Modric, who, at 41, is still a pivotal player, teaching the younger generation what it takes to succeed.
With his club career resuming and his return to the national team solidifying, Musah is likely to remain a contender for forthcoming camps, such as the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals next month, which will mark nearly four years since he participated fully in the World Cup in Qatar.
“We want him to maintain his strong performance and continue getting playtime at his club,” Pochettino added, emphasizing Musah’s value to the team as they look forward.
This marks a significant turning point for Musah in the national team landscape. “Coming back to camp feels just like it did when I first joined at 17; I instantly felt like part of the team,” he stated.
Fan Take: The return of Yunus Musah is crucial for U.S. soccer as it not only revitalizes a key player but also signals a new era of talent ready to step up on the international stage. His journey illustrates the resilience and depth emerging in American soccer, promising exciting prospects for future competitions and development in the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
