Teen Sullivan in USMNT squad, Pulisic left out

Teen Sullivan in USMNT squad, Pulisic left out. Skip to main content Skip to navigation The USMNT's first post-World Cup squad is missing its biggest summer stars15hJeff CarlisleTeen Sullivan in USMNT squad, Pulisic left out18hJeff CarlisleRed Bulls teen Hall undecided on USMNT future despite 1st call-up11hESPNLozano picked in Marquez's first Mexico squad3hCesar HernandezEx-USWNT coach Andonovski named Chicago Stars soccer chief15hJeff KassoufTrent, Palmer recalled to England squad after WC2mTom HamiltonMan City's Samba, 17: Debut brace 'mind-blowing'11hPAKlopp names two squads for first Germany games1dESPN News ServicesMessi, MLS' Garber appear to have heated exchange after Miami win15hAssociated PressPSG ultras take legal action over Marseille travel ban17hESPN News ServicesUltimate underdogs: What's it like when lower-league teams qualify for Europe?

What happened

2dCesar HernandezplayBurley not sure Vinicius Jr. is ready to step up if Mbappe falters (0:37)ESPNMultiple AuthorsSep 18, 2026, 03:25 AM ETEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsReal Madrid and Barcelona could make a future move for USMNT teenager Cavan Sullivan, after his move to Manchester City in 2028, while Arsenal are interested in a move for AFC Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi in January. 2hConnor O'HalloranTransfer rumors, news: Real Madrid, Barcelona track Man City-bound USMNT star Sullivan2hESPNMaresca has been pushing all the right buttons in perfect Man City start10hRob DawsonMan United hit crisis point under Carrick after collapse against Brighton1dRob DawsonAs San Siro turns 100, AC Milan and Inter prepare to build a new home2hTom HamiltonCan ex-USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski save the NWSL's last-place Chicago Stars?

This is a man who once responded to a question about why AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah and Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Joe Scally were left of a USMNT roster with a response about how the media shouldn't question such decisions unless the player being talked about is Pelé, Diego Maradona or Lionel Messi. Youngsters like 16-year-old Philadelphia Union attacker Cavan Sullivan and Crystal Palace winger Zavier Gozo were called in, but Pulisic wasn't. One example is when Pochettino left a recovering Sergiño Dest off the USMNT roster for the October 2025 international window, only for Dest to start for his club the weekend immediately following the announcement.

Transfers home page | Men's summer grades | Women's gradesTrending rumors- Real Madrid and Barcelona could make a future move for USMNT youngster Cavan Sullivan, 16, according to TEAMtalk. That form has earned him a place in Mauricio Pochettino's most-recent USMNT squad.

The wider picture

Philadelphia Union phenom Cavan Sullivan, 16, headlines the 28-player roster named by U. S. men's national team manager Mauricio Pochettino for the upcoming FIFA international window. 2dCesar HernandezplayKeller: Pulisic needs to 'reprove himself' at AC Milan (1:14)Jeff CarlisleSep 17, 2026, 01:57 PM ETMultiple AuthorsEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsEvery time an international window rolls around, there are two areas of focus: The players who were selected, and those who weren't. That scale shifts when one of a team's presumed stars is left off.

S. men's national team, and the omission of AC Milan attacker Christian Pulisic. That hasn't stopped such queries from being directed at the USMNT manager, and such was the case again on Thursday following the release of the U. In many respects, Pulisic's omission isn't a surprise. Pulisic is operating under similar circumstances. Pochettino's desire to take a look at younger players also played a part in Pulisic's absence.

What has been reported

When asked on Thursday's conference call about Pulisic's omission, Pochettino stressed that aspect. "Why not maybe 100 players that are not in the squad and why are another 28? "Pulisic is by no means the only World Cup player to be omitted from the roster when appearing to be healthy. But Pulisic is the most prominent, and the relationship between Pochettino and Pulisic has always appeared to be on the cool side. " While Pochettino didn't mention Pulisic by name, the Milan attacker was the most prominent player who made such a decision.

S. manager hasn't entirely forgiven Pulisic for that choice, as well as the aftermath, when the player said he "didn't understand" why Pochettino didn't want him to come in for two friendlies and then skip the Gold Cup. But like Pulisic, it comes too late for this window. As for Pochettino and Pulisic, there's no rule that says player and manager have to get along.

What happens next

There have been moments when Pulisic has thrived under Pochettino, like the World Cup opener against Paraguay, but there will always be a focus on the perceived relationship between star player and manager. Sullivan has already agreed to join Manchester City when he turns 18, but the report claims Spain's top two are keeping a close eye on his development and could swoop if he doesn't make the breakthrough into their first XI quickly. – Arsenal are interested in a move for AFC Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi in January once he has recovered from injury, says Football.

The 29-year-old only has two years left on his deal, which runs until 2028, sparking the discussions about his future. Development is still the priority for the youngster, whose transfer from Southampton cost £40 million in 2025, and the January window offers an opportunity for Everton to strengthen an already depleted squad before letting him go. – FC Cincinnati have reached an agreement to sign former Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia, according to Voetbal International. The left back, who left Old Trafford as a free agent this summer, has reportedly been training with the MLS outfit with the hopes of landing a deal.

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The report has been compiled by The Daily Waves using information reported across espn.com. Details are presented according to the information available at the time of publication and may change as authorities, organisers or other relevant parties provide updates.