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Mauricio Pochettino shook things up for the U.S. men's national team's fall friendlies, handing eight teenagers spots in a revamped squad to launch the 2030 World Cup cycle.
With established names like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun left out of the picture, Pochettino placed the burden on his youthful charges to herald a new chapter for the Stars and Stripes. Supporters were hungry for a strong response following a humiliating round of 16 elimination at this summer's World Cup on home turf.
Friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada presented a stern test for such an inexperienced group, yet the USMNT emerged with four convincing wins across the combined September-October international window.
Several debutants thrived under the spotlight, while others struggled before packed home stadiums. By the time the final whistle blew against Canada to close out the international break, it was abundantly clear which rising stars had made their case to stick around—and which ones still have ground to cover.
8. Zavier Gozo
Making the leap from MLS to the Premier League as a teenager demands exceptional ability. Zavier Gozo departed Real Salt Lake to sign with Crystal Palace this summer and has already notched three senior appearances for the Eagles.
The move raised expectations heading into this international break, but Gozo fell short of delivering. The 19-year-old came off the bench in the USMNT's 4–1 victory over Peru and failed to earn a single minute across the remaining three fixtures.
Gozo excels at right wingback, a role that has become somewhat redundant since Pochettino reverted to a back four. The American can also operate at right midfield or on the right wing, but he was never going to dislodge Sergiño Dest or Cavan Sullivan—at least on this occasion.
7. Adri Mehmeti
Adri Mehmeti was not set up for success by Pochettino during this international break. The 17-year-old managed just two minutes in his senior debut against Peru before being thrown into the starting XI against Chile—out of his natural position.
Pochettino deployed the natural midfielder on the left wing, where Mehmeti looked uncomfortable and disjointed. He gave the ball away at critical moments, failed to register a single shot and lost five of his six individual battles on the night.
It came as little surprise that Mehmeti was absent against Mexico and only entered the fray in the closing stages against Canada.
6. Neil Pierre
Neil Pierre entered the September-October international break as one of the most intriguing young prospects on Pochettino's roster. The imposing center back was touted as the long-term successor to the recently retired Tim Ream.
However, it quickly became apparent that Pierre still has considerable development ahead before he can establish himself as Chris Richards's partner in central defense. The 18-year-old labored through his first-ever start in the team's 4–2 win over Chile, appearing overwhelmed and hesitant during his 63 minutes on the field.
Pierre was subsequently dropped for the Mexico match, before coming on and holding firm for 16 minutes to help preserve a 1–0 lead against Canada. His potential is undeniable, but he remains far from the finished product Pochettino requires at the back.
5. Peyton Miller
Peyton Miller faces a predicament similar to Gozo's. The New England Revolution defender was selected for the USMNT's opening match and performed admirably on the left flank against Peru. He misplaced just one pass and created two chances on his senior debut.
However, the left flank is Antonee Robinson's territory. The Fulham star is rightfully Pochettino's first-choice left back, and that hierarchy is unlikely to shift before the 2030 World Cup.
Miller is therefore left fighting for scraps, with Auston Trusty also in the mix. The 18-year-old was an unused substitute against Chile and Canada, and managed only an eight-minute cameo against Mexico.
The most realistic ambition for Miller going forward is securing the role of Robinson's deputy.
4. Mathis Albert
As one of three 17-year-olds summoned for the September-October international break, Mathis Albert arrived at camp eager to prove his worth at senior level. Previous coaches might have offered him just one or two outings, but Pochettino handed the teenager minutes in all four USMNT friendlies this fall.
Albert had a subdued debut against Peru before opening his account just three days later. The Borussia Dortmund youngster netted a stoppage-time insurance goal against Chile to briefly become the youngest scorer in USMNT history—though that record was short-lived.
Pochettino handed Albert his first senior start in the team's 1–0 win over Canada, but the winger struggled to make an impact in his 61 minutes on the pitch; he completed just 12 passes, failed to create a single chance and didn't manage a shot before being substituted.
Albert still needs further development to cement a permanent spot in Pochettino's plans, but his raw ability points to a promising future.
3. Justin Ellis
"It's a fantastic problem for us," Pochettino remarked when asked about the number of young players who stepped up during the break. Among the most impressive was Justin Ellis.
The No. 9 marked his senior debut with a goal against Peru, then found the net again against Canada. Two goals in three appearances was more than enough to leapfrog the likes of Haji Wright and Josh Sargent in Pochettino's striker rankings.
Ellis still has rungs to climb before reaching the top of the ladder, but sharing a club environment with the great Antoine Griezmann at Orlando City will continue to mold the 19-year-old into a dependable, consistent goalscorer.
2. Cavan Sullivan
Over the past two months, Cavan Sullivan became a recognizable name in MLS, consistently delivering standout performances for the Philadelphia Union. At just 17 years old and already with a future move to Manchester City secured, the American arrived at fall camp carrying significant expectations.
He more than lived up to the billing. Sullivan etched his name into USMNT history as the youngest goalscorer when he found the net against Mexico just five days after his 17th birthday. He also impressed with his tenacious work ethic and relentless pressing, drawing glowing praise from Pochettino.
"I think he's a talented player with enormous quality, but with a very good balance, in possession and out of possession," the Argentine said of Sullivan. "He's a fighter, he's a warrior. It's difficult to find this type of player with a tremendous quality.
"And then I think Cavan showed in possession with the ball on the field [and] when he need to be chasing people and recover the ball. That is my impression after maybe three weeks together. And that is unbelievable, to have a player like this. I think it's a fantastic news for USA. Hope that continues in that way."
1. Julian Hall
Julian Hall enjoyed a dream first camp with the USMNT. The 18-year-old racked up three goals and one assist across four appearances, looking more at home in red, white and blue than some of the most seasoned players in Pochettino's squad.
Scoring on his senior debut would have been a memorable enough moment for Hall, but he went on to net against Chile and Mexico as well. The Red Bull New York striker became just the third player in USMNT history to score in each of his first three appearances, and the youngest ever to achieve the feat since 16-year-old Pelé did so for Brazil in 1957.
Hall's emergence is a major boost for a USMNT side that has long struggled for consistent firepower. The injury-prone Pulisic and Ricardo Pepi have too frequently disappointed, while Balogun has not recaptured his best form since the World Cup.
Now, Pochettino has a young, dynamic weapon at his disposal—one capable of making an impact from the bench or leading the attack with a composure that belies his age. There is no question that Hall is here to stay.