Christian Pulisic Returns, McKennie Omitted in USMNT Squad for Korea and Japan Friendlies

United States men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has announced a 22-player roster Christian Pulisic for the upcoming friendlies against South Korea and Japan, with several big names returning after missing the Gold Cup.

AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic, PSV’s Sergiño Dest, and Marseille winger Tim Weah headline the call-ups. All three skipped the Gold Cup but are back in the fold as the U.S. continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The United States will face South Korea on Sept. 6 in New Jersey before taking on Japan on Sept. 10 in Columbus, Ohio. Pochettino is expected to add one more player to round out the roster at 23.

Key returns and absences

Christian Pulisic is back after sitting out the Gold Cup due to fatigue, a decision that sparked debate about his commitment.

Weah, now on loan at Marseille, also returns after featuring in the Club World Cup.

Dest earns his first call-up since tearing his ACL last season, with Pochettino noting his creativity from right back.

Meanwhile, injuries ruled out Derby striker Patrick Agyemang (hernia) and Bayer Leverkusen’s Malik Tillman (muscle strain). Other recent returnees like Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV), and Antonee Robinson (Fulham) were also not included.

The biggest surprise omission is McKennie, whose playing time has dipped at Juventus. He was subjected to racist abuse during Juve’s opening Serie A win over Parma. AC Milan’s Yunus Musah also misses out despite ongoing transfer rumors.

Other notable absentees include Atletico Madrid’s Johnny Cardoso, Toulouse defender Mark McKenzie, and Reyna, who is still settling in at Gladbach.

New faces

The roster features several uncapped players:

Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati, GK)

Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena, GK), son of former U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann

Noahkai Banks (Augsburg, DF)

Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps, DF)

Also returning is Alejandro Zendejas (Club América), his first call-up since November 2024. Norwich striker Josh Sargent, who has scored four goals in his last four games, also makes the cut.

Full Roster

Goalkeepers (3): Roman Celentano, Matt Freese, Jonathan Klinsmann
Defenders (8): Max Arfsten, Noahkai Banks, Tristan Blackmon, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Nathan Harriel, Tim Ream, Chris Richards
Midfielders (6): Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Luca de la Torre, Diego Luna, Jack McGlynn, Sean Zawadzki
Forwards (5): Damion Downs, Christian Pulisic, Josh Sargent, Tim Weah, Alejandro Zendejas