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U.S. Men's National Soccer (Official Thread)

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Sources: Mauricio Pochettino in positive talks over new USMNT contract​

United States men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino and U.S. Soccer have had positive talks about a possible contract extension, sources told ESPN.

Pochettino's contract with U.S. Soccer runs through the end of this World Cup and the former Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea manager has yet to say what his future plans are.

Sources told ESPN that U.S. Soccer would like to retain the 54-year-old for another four-year cycle through the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The idea would be to also retain the same core of players currently on the roster.

The offer to Pochettino was first reported on Friday by The Athletic.
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Projecting the USMNT 2030 World Cup roster: 30 players to rep the U.S. in four years​

The 2026 World Cup is over for the U.S. men's national team. Fans will take a lifetime's worth of memories -- some good, some depressing -- from a tournament that still advanced the sport all over the continent. But as one cycle ends, another begins.

The next World Cup is in 2030 when Morocco, Portugal and Spain will serve as primary hosts. That cycle begins for the U.S. with friendly matches later this fall.

As such, the USMNT will say goodbye to some longtime stalwarts such as Tim Ream. Others figure to depart as well, as Father Time takes his inevitable toll. But the post-World Cup period is among the most interesting parts of the cycle, as there are young prospects ready to step in to try to claim a foothold.

With that, here are 30 players for the 2030 cycle -- 30 for '30 if you will -- that fans should keep an eye on.

Goalkeepers (3)​

There's a possibility that all three keepers on the 2026 World Cup roster could return for 2030. Matt Turner will be 36, and could very well still be playing at that stage of his career. But no position stays entirely the same from one cycle to the next, meaning there has to be a little bit of turnover.

Matt Freese, 27, New York City FC​

Freese had an up-and-down World Cup, but at age 27, looks to be entering his prime years. The big question is whether he'll leave NYCFC to try to test himself in Europe to raise his game. Given the competition, that seems a must.

Chris Brady, 22, Chicago Fire​

It seems a question of when and not if Brady decides to head overseas. He has had inquiries from Europe before and sources told ESPN that there was no letup in interest from European teams. He has already amassed 115 first-team appearances in Chicago, so now is the time.

Diego Kochen, 20, Lyngby (on loan from FC Barcelona)​

After spending seven seasons in the FC Barcelona system, Kochen will get his chance to secure some first-team minutes in Denmark's top flight. He'll need to develop from there with players such as Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew) and Julian Eyestone (Brentford) waiting in the wings.

Defenders (8)​

Of the current group, only Ream was over age 30, hinting that more of the current corps of defenders could still be around in four years. But it's also just as clear that some new blood is needed after that poor loss to Belgium in the round of 16.

Chris Richards, 26, Crystal Palace​

Richards has been at the heart of the three trophies Palace has won in the past two seasons. Will he get a look from a bigger club? He still seems to have room to grow, but regardless, he should be in the mix for the U.S. in 2030.

Antonee Robinson, 28, Fulham FC​

Robinson will stick around as long as his body lets him. Even as he performed well in the World Cup, that's not a given. He certainly looks poised to enter preseason in better physical condition than he did a year ago.

Auston Trusty, 27, Celtic FC​

Trusty's career seems to be headed on an upward trajectory again, enjoying club success with Celtic as well as contributing to the U.S. Will that still be the case in four years? Experience in the back is always valued, and Trusty can provide that.

Alex Freeman, 21, Villarreal​

No player's profile has risen more in the past 12 months than Freeman's. Progress is never linear for players, as this last cycle proved for many on the U.S. team, but in Freeman's case, with a full preseason with Villarreal ahead, there's every expectation that he'll continue to improve.

Joe Scally, 23, Borussia Mönchengladbach​

Scally still has a lot of years left in him at his age. He's also versatile, given that he can play as a center back or an outside back. That ability to fill various roles is always valuable, but can Scally make one position his own this cycle?

Daniel Munie, 26, San Jose Earthquakes​

The U.S. needs some center back prospects to come through, and Munie has been at the heart of the Quakes' revival this season, showing the necessary athleticism as well as the ability to make line-breaking passes out of the back.

Noahkai Banks, 19, FC Augsburg​

Yes, there's a fair bit of hope attached to Banks' inclusion on this list, as he has yet to make an international commitment. On the downside, Germany is looking at a significant rebuild, which could bring Banks into the fold. On the plus side, Banks' history with the U.S. can't be overlooked either, so he might find a willing partner in the USMNT.

Frankie Westfield, 20, Philadelphia Union​

Westfield has played a variety of positions along the backline for the Union. He was also a stalwart on the U.S. team at the 2025 FIFA U20 World Cup, so he looks ready to take the next step.

Midfielders (8)​

The midfield looks to be where there is the most balance in terms of up-and-comers and experience. A few players who just missed out on 2026 now have a chance to reestablish themselves on the team, and there's also a prospect in the mix.
Weston McKennie is expected to remain a key player for the U.S. Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

Tyler Adams, 27, AFC Bournemouth​

Adams is another player whose continued presence on the U.S. will be determined by whether his body can hold up. He'll be 31 at the next World Cup. Will his range still be as immense as it is now? The hope is that experience will make up for whatever physical regression might happen.

Weston McKennie, 27, Juventus​

McKennie's World Cup was excellent for the most part, though like most of his teammates, there was the disappointing finish. He seems to have the trust of his club to continue to remain a key player moving forward. That bodes well for continued involvement with the U.S.

Sebastian Berhalter, 25, Vancouver Whitecaps​

Berhalter is a player who keeps exceeding his perceived ceiling, especially on the attacking side. Can he continue that trend over the next four years? At minimum, his set piece delivery makes him a huge asset to have on the squad.

Malik Tillman, 24, Bayer Leverkusen​

Tillman's ascent at the international level has been impressive, scoring twice at the World Cup and delivering some impressive two-way displays. The big question is can he do the same at the club level? His struggles at Leverkusen last season were well documented. The hope is that he'll use the World Cup as a springboard for club success.

Tanner Tessmann, 24, Olympique Lyon​

Tessmann was the odd man out when it came to the World Cup roster, but there's still time in his career to become more of a mainstay in the upcoming cycle. His club displays were hot and cold, so the goal this cycle is to achieve some more consistency and combine that with his clear talent.

Aidan Morris, 24, Middlesbrough​

Another player who just missed out in 2026, Morris seems poised to assume the role of resident bulldog in midfield behind Adams. Helping his club achieve a breakthrough to the Premier League will help his standing as well.

Johnny Cardoso, 24, Atletico Madrid​

Cardoso hasn't always replicated his club success with the USMNT, but he provides a different profile compared to his international teammates, that of a possession-based midfielder who can bring peace to the game when needed. Health permitting, he should be around for 2030.

Adri Mehmeti, 17, New York Red Bulls​

Mehmeti is young, but he's playing well beyond his years, logging steady minutes with the Red Bulls. He's eligible to play for both the U.S. and Albania, so the USMNT will be wise to snap him up now.

Wingers/attacking midfielders (7)​

This is a part of the field that is in flux. There's no room for Gio Reyna or Tim Weah at present. Reyna needs to show more at club level, and Weah needs to regain his mojo with the USMNT. But there are plenty of exciting prospects. Christian Pulisic's health remains a question mark.

Christian Pulisic, 27, AC Milan​

By his own admission, the 2026 World Cup was disappointing for Pulisic. At this juncture, whoever is the U.S. manager will need to at least begin thinking about life without him. That said, there's every reason to think that Pulisic can remain the creative force of the team for this cycle -- if he can remain healthy. That's a big if.

Sergiño Dest, 25, PSV Eindhoven​

The move to a more advance position on the wing seemed to suit Dest at this World Cup, though there wasn't as much end product as one would have hoped. His creative ability is rare in the U.S. pool, meaning he should stick around for 2030.

Diego Luna, 22, Real Salt Lake​

Luna's combination of creativity and xDAWG wasn't quite enough to make the 2026 roster, but he has used snubs as fuel before, and this cycle could very well see him do it again. Moving to a higher level league just might cement him a spot.

Zavier Gozo, 19, Real Salt Lake​

Gozo's late bid to make the 2026 roster ultimately fell short, but the teenager seems primed to take the next step in the upcoming cycle. His six goals and four assists, combined with some dynamic play on the wing make Gozo a tantalizing prospect.

Niko Tsakiris, 21, San Jose Earthquakes​

In terms of rising creative players, Tsakiris is high on the list. He also hits devastating free kicks and you can never have too many of those. The concern is that he has been a bit injury-prone in his young career. If he can get past that, he could find himself in the mix for 2030.

Cavan Sullivan, 16, Philadelphia Union​

Sullivan is arguably the most-hyped U.S. prospect since Pulisic. He signed a pro contract at 14, and now, at 16, he's earning regular minutes with the Union, having started their past six games before the break. His vision is among his best attributes, and though it seems early to be counting on a 16-year-old to be a contributor this cycle, the fact that he'll move to Manchester City when he turns 18 shows his potential.

Mathis Albert, 17, Borussia Dortmund​

Earlier this year, Albert became the youngest American to make an appearance in the Bundesliga, breaking Reyna's record. The competition at Dortmund is stiff, but if Albert can make further breakthroughs, call-ups to the USMNT will follow.

Striker (4)​

Folarin Balogun, 25, AS Monaco​

Balogun was the best player for the U.S. at the World Cup, and now he seems poised to move to a bigger club. He'll be 29 at the next World Cup, so he should still have plenty of gas left in the tank to be a major contributor.

Ricardo Pepi, 23, PSV Eindhoven​

It has been a tough six months for Pepi. First, his proposed move to Fulham fell apart, and then he suffered through a disappointing World Cup. But Pepi remains an adept finisher, and he should continue to progress with PSV this season and beyond.

Patrick Agyemang, 25, Derby County​

Agyemang was the unluckiest of injury casualties, suffering a torn Achilles tendon last April. His size, strength and aerial ability mean that there should still be a place for him during the next cycle if he can recover and pick up where he left off.

Julian Hall, 18, New York Red Bulls​

Hall has burst on the scene in his rookie season with the Red Bulls, scoring nine goals in 15 matches, and becoming the youngest player to record a hat trick in league history. His movement is exceptional, and is consistently putting himself in great positions. Hall is another dual national (he can represent Poland) that the U.S. will need to make sure doesn't get away.
 
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Five USMNT Prospects to Watch for 2030 World Cup and Beyond

The USMNT has plenty of young talents that could bring a bright future.
www.si.com www.si.com

Five USMNT Prospects to Watch for 2030 World Cup and Beyond​

The USMNT has plenty of young talents that could bring a bright future.
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Noahkai Banks​

Noahkai Banks

Noahkai Banks had a standout season in 2025–26 with Augsburg.

If Noahkai Banks had made a decision, there’s a very good chance he would’ve been on the roster this summer. The 19-year-old central defender has been among the best defenders in the USMNT pool, but has yet to decide whether his international future lies with Germany or the U.S. given he holds eligibility for both.

With Tim Ream likely done with the USMNT and an opportunity to start at center back, there could be an enticing option with the Stars and Stripes. At the same time, Banks has had U.S. Soccer in his Instagram bio for months, despite never committing to the senior team.

In his young career, he already has 31 first-team appearances for Augsburg in the Bundesliga, Germany’s first division, and other competitions, and last season, he started 20 of the club’s 34 league games.

The 6'3" center back may not be as physically imposing as Ream, but should he commit, he would add a more skilled defensive option alongside Chris Richards, with the expectation of remaining in Germany at least through the end of his current deal in 2029.

Zavier Gozo​

Zavier Gozo

Zavier Gozo made a late push for the USMNT 2026 World Cup squad.

In the world of star MLS youngsters, Zavier Gozo is among the best. The 19-year-old made a strong late push for this summer’s USMNT, but ultimately didn’t have enough time to impress Pochettino in a tremendous start to the season with Real Salt Lake.

In his second full season, he has six goals and five assists in 14 games and is a skillful, elusive presence on a team that lacks immense talent. While he’s already impressed with the youth national teams, expect him to get a chance in the near future and to develop into a key piece by 2030.

Julian Hall​

Julian Hall

Julian Hall is an MLS All-Star at 18 years old.

The USMNT found its main striker in Folarin Balogun, but how about a younger option that has shown a knack for goalscoring in MLS at just 18 years old?

Julian Zakrzewski Hall has nine goals and four assists in 15 games with a youthful Red Bull New York team this season, and is already in his fourth season in MLS. Early in his career, he had to leave matches midway through and couldn’t play after 7 p.m. due to New Jersey state regulations limiting labor for those under 16.

Now able to play full matches, the team has had a revelation season under former USMNT midfielder Michael Bradley, who is in his first year as the team’s manager. Hall’s production landed him a place on the MLS All-Star roster, as well.

The big question, though, is whether the USMNT can get him into the Stars and Stripes as the Polish national team, for which he is eligible through his mother, has already begun recruiting.

Diego Kochen​

Diego Kochen

Diego Kochen has been a regular at the youth levels for U.S. Soccer. |

USMNT goalkeeping isn’t what it was in Tim Howard’s day. Diego Kochen might just be the best bet for a stellar young goalkeeper who could make an impact in the years to come. What comes next for him, though, will be critical.

Last season, he spent most of the year riding the bench for FC Barcelona as a 20-year-old backstop. While training in that environment regularly was undoubtedly beneficial, he’s taking a new step in 2026–27.

This fall, the Miami native will suit up for Danish Superligaen club Lyngby on loan from Barcelona, where he hopes to become the No. 1 and put himself in position for a USMNT call-up and a spot on the squad for the 2028 LA Olympics.

Cavan Sullivan​

Cavan Sullivan

Cavan Sullivan will be able to join Manchester City once he turns 18.

If there’s one name you’re going to be seeing a lot of, if you haven’t already, it’s that of 16-year-old midfielder Cavan Sullivan. Currently of the Philadelphia Union, the same club that produced Brendan Aaronson, Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty, he is pre-signed to Manchester City and will join the Premier League giants when he turns 18.

While Philadelphia manager Bradley Carnell hasn’t given him many opportunities, those chances increased ahead of the World Cup, with the 2025 Supporters’ Shield winners sitting in last, well out of MLS Cup playoff contention.
 
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