ไทย
English
中國人
Since taking the reins of the U.S. men's national team in October 2024, Mauricio Pochettino has handed caps to 75 different players. In the most recent window alone, he handed USMNT debuts to 13 players, some of whom, including Cavan Sullivan and Julian Hall, appear destined to play crucial roles in the years ahead.
Pochettino left out several seasoned players such as Brenden Aaronson, Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi and Timothy Weah in the previous window, all of whom featured in the World Cup. Now, he faces a difficult decision: return to these reliable veterans, or continue to take a chance on exciting young talents like Zavier Gozo, Peyton Miller, Neil Pierre and Adri Mehmeti.
Unlike the previous four friendlies, there are now genuine stakes involved. The U.S. will face Haiti across the two-legged quarterfinals of the Concacaf Nations League, to be played in Miami and Cincinnati on Nov. 14 and 17, respectively.
The U.S. has reached the final four in each of the first four Nations Leagues, claiming gold in the first three before settling for bronze in 2025, and they cannot afford to see that run come to an end. Pochettino must field his strongest side against Haiti, while also keeping an eye on the bigger picture. So, which players can he simply not overlook in November?
Neil Pierre (Philadelphia Union)
Of the U.S.'s 26-man roster from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, only one player will definitely not be around for 2030: Tim Ream (39). Pochettino has a significant task ahead as he searches for a worthy successor, and one player who has thrown his hat into the ring is Neil Pierre.
Pochettino could opt for a more experienced choice like Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty or Miles Robinson, all of whom will be past 30 by the time 2030 arrives. But in Pierre, he has a player who, having just turned 19, carries a considerably higher ceiling (both figuratively and literally). Standing at 6'7", Pierre dwarfs his opponents, using his commanding physique to win physical battles, block shots and cause problems in the opposition box.
He's already netted five goals in 16 MLS appearances this season, but what sets him apart is that his stature doesn't hinder his mobility. Pierre has the recovery pace to match some of MLS's quickest forwards, the positional awareness to read danger and cut out passes, and the confidence to step out of defense and drive the ball forward.
It's this rare blend of physicality, intelligence and technical potential that makes Pierre one of the most fascinating defensive prospects to come out of MLS in recent memory. Having already earned three caps for the USMNT during the previous international window, the 19-year-old now has the chance to make his competitive debut against Haiti, the country where both of his parents were raised.
Sebastian Berhalter (Middlesbrough)
Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie have built a formidable partnership at the heart of the USMNT midfield over the past eight years, leaving rivals like Johnny Cardoso and Tanner Tessmann battling for limited opportunities. But if there's one player capable of shaking up that established order, it's Sebastian Berhalter.
Following a breakout 2025 campaign in which he earned MLS Best XI recognition, helped Vancouver Whitecaps reach the MLS Cup final and made his USMNT debut, Berhalter has elevated his game further in 2026. He has cemented himself as a regular for the Stars and Stripes while adapting seamlessly to English football, forging an impressive partnership with fellow American Aidan Morris in Middlesbrough's midfield.
Whether he's unleashing a long-range strike, threading a perfectly timed pass through the opposition or stepping in with a crunching tackle, Berhalter can shape matches in almost every phase of play. It's little wonder his box-to-box style has made him a fixture for Boro, who sit at the top of the Championship table and are pushing for a return to the Premier League after an 11-year absence.
Berhalter leads Boro with five big chances created, 2.2 expected assists and 28 chances created, highlighting his growing value as an attacking outlet. He has carried that creativity to the international stage, contributing a goal and an assist during last month's friendlies against Chile and Peru, mirroring his performance against Türkiye at the World Cup. Now, Berhalter has the opportunity to show that he's not simply a backup to Adams and McKennie, but a genuine challenger for a starting role.
Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
Sergiño Dest and Timothy Weah bring plenty of attacking threat; Alex Freeman continues to develop at a remarkable rate at Villarreal; Frankie Westfield has emerged as a promising option at Philadelphia Union. But don't rule out Joe Scally staking his claim as the first-choice right back in this World Cup cycle.
An unused substitute throughout the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Scally made two appearances at the 2026 World Cup, trailing well behind Dest and Freeman in the depth chart. This season, however, Scally is making a strong case for why he deserves consideration for the starting role with an outstanding run of form at Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Long seen as a defensively-minded fullback, Scally has added a new dimension to his game under Alexander Blessin. He has emerged as one of the Bundesliga's most productive fullbacks, leading his team with three goals and contributing an assist in each of his last two matches. Yet he hasn't neglected his defensive responsibilities, recording 2.7 tackles per 90, second only to David Herold in their squad.
Just two months after being advised to seek a move by his sporting director, Scally has responded with arguably the finest form of his career at 23. He is providing a rare bright spot for a Gladbach side rooted to the bottom of the table, and he could be rewarded with a recall to the national team next month.
Julian Hall (Red Bull New York)
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. After Julian Zakrzewski Hall's dazzling start to his international career, Mauricio Pochettino should have little reason to hesitate in keeping the 18-year-old as his first-choice center forward this November.
Hall has taken MLS by storm this season, netting 15 goals in 33 appearances for Red Bull New York, displacing former Champions League winner Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting from the starting lineup and earning an MLS All-Star selection. His sharp finishing, intelligent movement and knack for being in the right place at the right time have made him the attacking focal point of a team pushing for a playoff spot.
Those displays earned him his first USMNT call-up in September, and he wasted no time justifying Pochettino's faith. After contributing a goal and an assist off the bench against Peru, Hall scored in back-to-back starts against Chile and Mexico, becoming just the third player in USMNT history to score in each of his first three appearances.
With Patrick Agyemang, Haji Wright and Ricardo Pepi sidelined through injury, and Justin Ellis and Damion Downs struggling for form, Hall's inclusion is an obvious call. He is building an increasingly persuasive case to challenge Folarin Balogun, who has yet to recapture his best form this season, for the starting berth.
For Pochettino, starting Hall against Haiti could serve two purposes at once: giving the USMNT its most in-form No. 9 while taking a significant step toward securing his international future. With Poland eager to pursue the teenager, the U.S. can prevent him from potentially stepping into Robert Lewandowski's shoes as their attacking talisman. Hall has already shown he belongs on the international stage. Now it's time to ensure his future is firmly with the Stars and Stripes.