Pulisic, Balogun, McKennie return to USMNT for Nations League QF vs. Haiti
Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, AC Milan attacker Christian Pulisic and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie lead head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s 25-player United States men’s national team roster for the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti.
The USMNT will compete in a two-leg series against Haiti, visiting Nu Stadium in Miami on Nov. 14 before hosting the second match at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati on Nov. 17.
“It’s going to be tough [against Haiti] because already we play in the Gold Cup,” Pochettino told reporters on Wednesday. “Remember, it was a really, really tough game. I think all the Concacaf teams are improving a lot. They are improving and improving and improving.
“I think that is because there are good coaches everywhere, players, the facilities and the tools to improve and to be more professional. I think that is going to be tough. It’s going to be tough because we know the physicality and the quality. It’s important to show respect because I think it’s going to be a tough two games.”
Balogun, Pulisic and McKennie return to the USMNT for the first time since participating in the 2026 World Cup, after missing out on the team’s friendlies during the September and October international window.
“I think with Balogun, it’s a great opportunity to keep helping him to evolve after a tough summer, after the World Cup,” Pochettino said.
“That is why I think the balance because Justin [Ellis] and Julian [Hall], they are fully fit. That is why we didn’t bring, even if he did play a few minutes, last week, Ricardo Pepi, in our way to see and assess the player, we decided to keep him training and establish himself by being more solid in his fitness and be more confident to attack for the future.
“That is why we didn’t want to bring both, because I think both are not 100%, but I think the combination in between Balogun, Ellis, and Hall, is perfect. Happy to see Balogun again, because I think after the World Cup, we have the possibility to see him and it’s a great opportunity for him to keep improving his confidence.”
This USMNT roster includes 10 players who previously took part in a Concacaf Nations League title win, including Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest, Giovanni Reyna and Antonee Robinson.
About Reyna, Pochettino said: “I think it’s really important because when he wasn’t playing regular minutes, he was important for us, but now, I think, he’s building his confidence and his fitness, and in time, it’s important for a player like Gio.
“We’re so happy, and in the last camp, he was amazing. He was fantastic, and I think, with that continuity, he can grow, grow, and grow. We are happy, it’s really important that he keeps playing in his team.”
The 25-player squad also features new faces, including first-time call-ups for defender Reed Baker-Whiting and midfielder Santiago Castaneda.
Pochettino will attempt to lead the Americans to their fourth Concacaf Nations League title.
The two-leg quarterfinal series against Haiti stands as the USMNT’s first official competition since taking part in the 2026 World Cup.
The U.S. previously recorded four consecutive victories during the previous international window, defeating Mexico, Peru, Chile and Canada in friendlies.
The U.S. and Haiti have a rich history, playing each other 19 times since 1954.
The United States has an 8W-6L-5D record against Haiti and last lost to the Concacaf opponent on Nov. 5, 1973, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
“We are excited to bring this group together at the beginning of our journey in this important competition,” Pochettino said. “These players have earned the opportunity to compete and help achieve our main objective, which is to win and advance in the tournament.”
DETAILED ROSTER BY POSITION (Club/Country; Caps/Goals)
GOALKEEPERS (3): Matt Freese (New York City FC; 20/0), Diego Kochen (Lyngby Boldklub/DEN; 2/0), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC; 2/0)
DEFENDERS (9): Reed Baker-Whiting (Nashville SC; 0/0), George Campbell (West Bromwich Albion FC/ENG; 3/0), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 46/3), Alex Freeman (Villarreal/ESP; 26/3), Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union; 3/0), Bryan Reynolds (Stade Rennais/FRA; 7/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 43/4), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 62/5), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 14/1)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth/ENG; 62/2), Mathis Albert (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 4/1), Sebastian Berhalter (Middlesbrough/ENG; 22/4), Santiago Castaneda (SC Paderborn/GER; 0/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 71/12), Adri Mehmeti (Red Bull New York; 3/0), Gio Reyna (RC Strasbourg Alsace/FRA; 47/10), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen/GER; 39/7)
FORWARDS (5): Folarin Balogun (Monaco/FRA; 31/12), Justin Ellis (Orlando City SC; 3/2), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York; 4/3), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 90/33), Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union; 3/1)