The U.S. men’s national soccer team has unveiled its 25-man roster for the upcoming friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay, marking the penultimate matches before coach Mauricio Pochettino finalizes his squad for the pre-World Cup training camp. Notably, star midfielder Christian Pulisic will miss the games due to a hamstring injury sustained in an October 14 friendly against Australia, though AC Milan has indicated he could return for their Serie A match this weekend. Pulisic, the team’s top player, faced criticism earlier this year for skipping the CONCACAF Gold Cup to prioritize rest ahead of the European season and World Cup. Meanwhile, Gio Reyna, son of former U.S. captain Claudio Reyna, returns to the roster for the first time since March, despite limited playing time at Borussia Mönchengladbach due to a thigh injury. Other notable absences include midfielder Weston McKennie and goalkeeper Matt Turner, while Ricardo Pepi, Tyler Adams, and Auston Trusty make their return to the squad. The U.S., ranked 16th globally, will face No. 39 Paraguay on November 15 in Chester, Pennsylvania, and 15th-ranked Uruguay on November 18 in Tampa, Florida. The roster also features several MLS players whose teams were recently eliminated from the playoffs, including defender Alex Freeman and midfielder Diego Luna. With injuries sidelining key players like Cameron Carter-Vickers, Antonee Robinson, and Tim Weah, Pochettino’s selections reflect a mix of experience and emerging talent as the team prepares for its World Cup opener on June 12.
Pulisic to miss US team’s November friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay, Reyna back on roster
