As 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations continue, USMNT fans will learn a lot about how Mauricio Pochettino views the player pool when he announces the roster for September international friendlies against Ecuador and Australia.
Having all but confirmed that September matches against South Korea and Japan were the last chance for fringe players to show their colors, it's widely expected that Pochettino will call back in most or all of the regulars who have been overlooked the last few windows.
The likes of Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, and Ricardo Pepi have been left out while others get a chance to impress. Should they find themselves outside the fold once again, their chances at appearing at next summer's World Cup would take a serious blow.
Needing to show they are capable of defending their FIFA rank of 16th in the world, the U.S. will meet Ecuador (FIFA No. 24) in Austin on October 10, followed by a date with Australia (FIFA No. 25) outside Denver four days later.
The Sporting News brings you a look at how the roster is expected to shake out, with updates for the official list once it has been released by U.S. Soccer.
MORE: A full look at the 2025 USMNT schedule as well as results and highlights from previous matches
USMNT roster for October friendlies vs. Ecuador, Australia
Mauricio Pochettino called in 24 players for the September friendlies against South Korea and Japan, and he will likely bring in the same amount of players for the matches in October.
While it's expected that Pochettino will call in the players he believes to be the best contenders for the World Cup squad next summer, there are a few mitigating factors. Pochettino hinted that he will allow players at MLS clubs with fixtures during the international break to remain with their sides, especially those in the thick of the playoff race.
It's unclear when the October USMNT roster will be announced, but with the September roster announced Tuesday, August 26, it's likely to happen soon.
Below is a predicted roster for the U.S. men's national team in the October international break, and will be updated once the official roster has been revealed.
MORE: Winners and losers from the September international break
| Pos | Name | Club | Caps |
| GK | Matt Freese | NYCFC (USA) | 9 |
| GK | Patrick Schulte | Columbus Crew (USA) | 3 |
| GK | Matt Turner | New England Revolution (USA) | 52 |
| DEF | Max Arfsten | Columbus Crew (USA) | 10 |
| DEF | George Campbell | West Bromwich Albion (ENG) | 1 |
| DEF | Cameron Carter-Vickers | Celtic (SCO) | 19 |
| DEF | Sergino Dest | PSV Eindhoven (NED) | 35 |
| DEF | Tim Ream | Charlotte FC (USA) | 77 |
| DEF | Antonee Robinson | Fulham (ENG) | 50 |
| DEF | Chris Richards | Crystal Palace (ENG) | 31 |
| DEF | Joe Scally | Borussia Monchengladbach (GER) | 21 |
| MID | Tyler Adams | Bournemouth (ENG) | 50 |
| MID | Luca de la Torre | San Diego FC (USA) | 31 |
| MID | Weston McKennie | Juventus (ITA) | 60 |
| FWD | Aidan Morris | Middlesbrough (ENG) | 9 |
| MID | James Sands | St. Pauli (GER) | 13 |
| MID | Tanner Tessmann | Lyon (FRA) | 8 |
| MID | Malik Tillman | Bayer Leverkusen (GER) | 25 |
| FWD | Folarin Balogun | AS Monaco (FRA) | 17 |
| FWD | Ricardo Pepi | PSV Eindhoven (NED) | 33 |
| FWD | Christian Pulisic | AC Milan (ITA) | 78 |
| FWD | Timothy Weah | Marseille (FRA) | 44 |
| FWD | Haji Wright | Coventry City (ENG) | 17 |
| FWD | Alex Zendejas | Club America (MEX) | 11 |
Christian Pulisic in electric form
USMNT star Christian Pulisic has begun the club season in world-class form with AC Milan, leading the Italian side to a spot atop the Serie A table.
The 27-year-old American has scored six goals and assisted two more in seven matches to begin the season, finding the back of the net in all but two games thus far.
Having put the summer's clash with Mauricio Pochettino firmly in the rear-view mirror, Pulisic looks ready to lead the U.S. through their World Cup preparations and into next summer's tournament. As long as he can remain healthy, the U.S. has one of the most in-form players on their side.
MORE: Christian Pulisic needs more walk, less talk after Gold Cup absence
Injuries subsiding
As it stands, the U.S. has a roster that is largely free of injury concerns for the first time in what feels like a while.
The biggest issue remains Antonee Robinson, who is only just returning from offseason knee surgery that kept him largely uninvolved at Fulham to begin the Premier League season. While he's expecting to make his way back soon, it's possible that Mauricio Pochettino gives him another month away from international duty to recover, but he also could be involved.
Ricardo Pepi was brought off early in PSV's league match against Excelsior, and while the muscle injury is thought to be minor, his status will be one to watch as he hopes to return for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury last winter. Patrick Agyemang is back from a sports hernia and contributing for Derby County, but could be too far down the striker pecking order for a spot regardless.
Goalkeeper Matt Freese, who has firmly entrenched himself in the conversation to start at next summer's World Cup, will be a late call for Mauricio Pochettino after picking up a head injury in NYCFC's match this past weekend, departing in the 67th minute. NYCFC boss Pascal Jansen said they need to "wait and see," likely indicating there is further testing to be done before knowing if he'll need to be sidelined.
Midfielder Johnny Cardoso has picked up an ankle injury early in his time at new club Atletico Madrid and is likely unavailable. Gio Reyna's career-long struggles with muscle injuries continue as he remains out with a hamstring injury picked up early in his Gladbach tenure.
Some MLS players could be left out for playoff chase
While European players were largely overlooked the last two international breaks, there could be a few MLS-based internationals who could remain with their clubs through the October international window.
Mauricio Pochettino hinted that players at clubs fighting for playoff spots could be given the chance to stay and aid in that push, especially those at clubs such as Orlando City (Alex Freeman), Real Salt Lake (Diego Luna), Seattle Sounders (Cristian Roldan, Jesus Ferreira), or Vancouver Whitecaps (Sebastian Berhalter, Brian White) who have games scheduled during the international break and would otherwise have to press on without some of their most important players.
Yunus Musah in danger of omission
One regular who could remain on the outside is Yunus Musah, who has failed to secure a spot in the starting lineup after moving from AC Milan in the summer.
Since moving late in the transfer window, Musah has logged just 55 minutes across four total matches, coming off the bench for late cameos in all four.
With the U.S. midfield crowded and a debate still raging over where Musah's best position lies, the 22-year-old could have more to prove if he wants to be selected by the highly critical Mauricio Pochettino who has shown a tendency to leave those not performing at the club level at home.
How to watch USMNT friendlies vs. Ecuador, Australia
The United States will take on South American side Ecuador first on Friday, October 10 in Austin, Texas. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT.
That match will be followed by a second friendly against Australia four days later from Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado. That match will begin at 5 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. MT.
USA vs. Ecuador
- TV (English): TNT, truTV
- Streaming (English): Max, Sling
- TV (Spanish): Universo
- Streaming (Spanish): Fubo, Peacock, Universo NOW
USA vs. Australia
- TV (English): TNT
- Streaming (English): Max, Sling
- TV (Spanish): Universo, Telemundo
- Streaming (Spanish): Fubo, Peacock, Universo NOW, Telemundo Deportes en Vivo