Mauricio Pochettino was able to welcome back the likes of Antonee Robinson and Weston McKennie when naming his 26-strong U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) roster for October’s friendlies against Ecuador and Australia.
Robinson has been unceremoniously knocked out of his stride over recent months. Fulham’s tireless left back had established himself as one of the best Premier League performers in his position, earning speculation of a move to Liverpool, while racking up 10 assists, the most of any defender across Europe’s top five leagues.
However, the 28-year-old was forced to undergo knee surgery over the summer, ruling him out of the Gold Cup. Robinson had been overlooked for USMNT’s previous two camps but is finally expected to make his international return for the first time since November 2024.
McKennie hasn’t featured for his country since March 2025. Juventus’s involvement in the Club World Cup ruled him out of Gold Cup contention and Pochettino overlooked him for September’s internationals.
A royally in-form Christian Pulisic naturally spearheads the squad—his feud with Pochettino over the summer long since forgotten (until the goals dry up at least)— while Patrick Agyemang is available for the first time since impressing at this summer’s continental tournament.
