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WM 2026September 18, 2026

Christian Pulisic not in USA squad, Cavan Sullivan

Christian Pulisic is missing from the USA squad for the upcoming international matches, while young players Cavan Sullivan and Adri Mehmeti will be given the opportunity to prove themselves.

Christian Pulisic not in USA squad, Cavan Sullivan

Christian Pulisic not in the USA squad, Cavan Sullivan

According to Foxsports.

Background

Cavan Sullivan, the 16-year-old Philadelphia Union striker, has already impressed in MLS and could become the youngest player in US national team history. Adri Mehmeti, another talent, will also get the opportunity to prove himself. Both players are in focus as the USA prepares for upcoming international matches.

Why this is important

Christian Pulisic, who played a key role for the USA last season, will not be in the squad for the upcoming international matches. This could have an impact on the team dynamic, especially as Pulisic returns to form following his injury at the 2026 World Cup. However, the absence of such an experienced player also opens up opportunities for younger talents such as Cavan Sullivan and Adri Mehmeti, who can prove themselves in the national team.

Key findings

  • Christian Pulisic not in the USA squad, Cavan Sullivan.
  • Christian Pulisic is missing from the USA squad for the upcoming international matches, while young players Cavan Sullivan and Adri Mehmeti will have the opportunity to prove themselves.
  • Sources: Christian Pulisic Out, Cavan Sullivan In For USA's Upcoming Squad | FOX Sports.
In a surprising twist, Christian Pulisic will not be on the US national soccer team's roster for upcoming international matches. Despite his recent return to good performances with AC Milan, where he recently returned from injury, the 27-year-old is not being considered by coach Mauricio Pochettino. Pulisic, who played a key role for the US national team last season, has had problems with injuries in the past. He suffered a fracture in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Belgium. The US team will face Peru on September 26th and Chile on September 29th. Pochettino will announce the full squad on Thursday. Meanwhile, two young talents, Cavan Sullivan and Adri Mehmeti, have the chance to prove themselves in the national team. Sullivan, 16, who plays for the Philadelphia Union, could become the youngest player in U.S. national team history if he plays against Peru. He has an impressive five goals and six assists in his last seven MLS games. Image Sullivan, who was recently promoted to the Union's first team, has already played 23 games this season and scored six goals. He is considered by many to be a great talent who could play an important role for the US national team in the future. Adri Mehmeti, Red Bull New York's 17-year-old midfielder, will also be in the squad for the first time. The decision not to include Pulisic in the squad is particularly notable as he has been a constant presence in the team since his debut ten years ago. With 90 caps and 33 goals, Pulisic is fifth in the USA's all-time top scorer list. He remains considered one of the country's best players but has a strained relationship with Pochettino, which arose from his decision to skip the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup to prepare for the World Cup. After games against Peru and Chile, the USA will also play Mexico and Canada in what will be an exciting series of games for the American national team. Pochettino will focus on assembling a strong squad to overcome the next challenges in World Cup qualifying. Fans hope that younger players like Sullivan and Mehmeti can lead the team into a successful future.

What happens next

The US national team will play against Peru on September 26th and Chile on September 29th. Coach Mauricio Pochettino will announce the full squad on Thursday, with Sullivan and Mehmeti potentially playing central roles. The performances of these young players could be crucial for their future with the team and for the preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

Frequently asked questions

What happened to Christian Pulisic?

Christian Pulisic was not included in the US national soccer team's squad for the upcoming international matches.

Who confirmed the decision about Pulisic's place in the squad?

The decision was made by coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Why wasn't Pulisic nominated now?

Despite his return to good performances with AC Milan, Pulisic has had injury problems in the past which may have led to this decision.

W What changes are there in the USA squad?

Cavan Sullivan and Adri Mehmeti were called up to the squad to prove themselves in the national team.

When does the US team play against Peru and Chile?

The US team will face Peru on September 26th and Chile on September 29th.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

What happened to Christian Pulisic?
Christian Pulisic was not included in the US national soccer team's squad for the upcoming international matches.
Who confirmed the decision about Pulisic's place in the squad?
The decision was made by coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Why wasn't Pulisic nominated now?
Despite his return to good performances with AC Milan, Pulisic has had injury problems in the past which may have led to this decision.
What changes are there in the USA squad?
Cavan Sullivan and Adri Mehmeti were called up to the squad to prove themselves in the national team.
When does the US team play against Peru and Chile?
The US team will face Peru on September 26th and Chile on September 29th.
What happened in this story?
Christian Pulisic not in the USA squad, Cavan Sullivan summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.
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