Christian Pulisic is currently on a break. Antonee Robinson is in recovery following his surgery. Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna remain at the club, while Yunus Musah has been sidelined for “personal reasons” and Josh Sargent is out due to “soccer-related reasons.” Both Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi are dealing with injuries.
On Thursday, Sergiño Dest joined the ranks of US men’s national team players who will not participate this summer. The talented fullback, who suffered an ACL tear last spring and returned in March, was dropped from the USMNT roster for the 2025 Gold Cup due to fitness concerns.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino stated through a spokesperson that his staff conducted a series of evaluations on all players in camp this week, leading them to decide that Dest would follow an individual training program over the summer.
Dest’s absence means the U.S. squad is missing seven key starters for two upcoming friendlies and the Gold Cup.
22-year-old left back John Tolkien has been called up to replace him as the team heads to training camp in Chicago.
Diego Luna will have another opportunity to prove himself with the US men’s national team this summer. (Photo: John Dorton/ISI Photos/ussf/getty images for ussf)
(John Dorton/ISI Photos/ussf via Getty Images)
World Cup Preparations Turn Into USMNT Tryouts
The Gold Cup, which is held every two years, has long been viewed as a key preparation for the US men’s national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
However, it is now evolving into a tryout, with new players vying for spots on the national team over the next 13 months.
Pochettino emphasized that a player’s name or club size does not factor into their chances. He provided feedback to defender Walker Zimmerman, stating, “I don’t care where you play; I care about your performance.”
The next day, goalkeeper Matt Turner echoed this sentiment, indicating that Pochettino prioritizes individuals’ contributions during their time with the national team over their club performances.
Players from various backgrounds, from Major League Soccer and European leagues, are capitalizing on this opportunity. Prominent figures such as Turner, Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, and Tim Leam are considered mainstays, while many others were once on the fringes of the squad. Newcomers include fullbacks Max Alfsten and Alex Freeman, midfielders Sebastian Berhalter and Jack McGlynn, and forwards Quinn Sullivan and Damion Downs.
Out of the 26 picked players, seven have yet to make their national team debut. Others like Malik Tillman and Johnny Cardoso have been included under prior coach Greg Berhalter and are seeking to solidify their places in the team moving forward.
Diego Luna stands out as an example of a player who is steadily shaping his role in Pochettino’s strategy.
Luna remarked, “That experience was life-changing for me. I am eager to showcase my dedication and earn more opportunities to represent my country.”
This summer, the US will face Turkey on Saturday (3:30 PM ET, TNT) and Switzerland on Tuesday (8 PM ET, TNT), with the Gold Cup following. These matches present a vital chance for many players on the Pochettino roster to secure their spots.
The roster is set, and with the World Cup just around the corner, competition for places on the team is more intense than ever.
2025 Gold Cup USMNT Roster for June Friendlies
Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freeze (New York City FC), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace)
Defenders: Max Alfsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA), Tim Lehm (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace)
Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United); Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo), Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven)
Forwards: Paxten Aaronson (FC Utrecht), Patrick Agyemang (Charlotte FC), Damion Downs (FC Köln), Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps), Haji Wright (Coventry City)
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts as it signals a critical transition period for the USMNT. With key players absent, emerging talents have the chance to shine, potentially reshaping the team’s future as they prepare for the crucial 2026 World Cup.
