The United States men’s national team gears up for a 2026 international friendly against Chile in St. Louis, with Christian Pulisic’s absence casting a shadow over Mauricio Pochettino’s selection plans. Following a commanding 4-1 win over Peru, the manager faces the challenge of integrating young talent with established internationals.
The U.S. made a statement in its opening match, securing four different scorers and eleven senior debuts. This depth allows Pochettino to rotate freely as the program enters its next phase.
Teenage prospects made their mark immediately, with Cavan Sullivan influential in his debut and Julian Hall delivering a goal and assist after coming off the bench.
The U.S. has won all four previous matches at Energizer Park and remains unbeaten against Chile on home soil since 1995, despite a 1-1 draw in 2019 that followed an early Pulisic goal.
Chile arrives reeling from a 1-0 defeat to Canada that turned hostile when Gabriel Suazo and Lucas Cepeda were both sent off, leaving the squad with nine players. Interim manager Nicolás Córdova must now reshuffle defensively and offensively on the left side.
Pulisic will not play, having been left out of the United States squad for the September and October international window. Pochettino selected a roster centered on younger players as the national team begins its 2030 World Cup cycle, while the 28-year-old winger continued recovering from his World Cup injury.
The omission was confirmed when Pochettino announced his 28-player roster, which excluded Pulisic and several other experienced names. U.S. Soccer described the squad as a blend of experience and potential, with thirteen players from the 2026 World Cup team included alongside a new generation of prospects.
Christian Pulisic of the United States participates away from other players during a training session
With Pulisic absent, the left side of the attack is open for another player to make his case, with various outlets projecting Cole Campbell to receive his senior debut. The projected attack features Cavan Sullivan, Giovanni Reyna, and Julian Hall, underscoring how dramatically the squad has changed since the World Cup.
With four friendlies scheduled during the international window, Pochettino has plenty of incentive to continue rotating his squad. The manager made ten substitutions against Peru, while several players who did not feature are now candidates to enter the lineup against Chile.
USMNT vs Chile: Confirmed lineups
USMNT confirmed XI (4-2-3-1): Chris Brady; Sergiño Dest, Miles Robinson, Neil Pierre, Frankie Westfield; Sebastian Berhalter, Brooklyn Raines, Adri Mehmeti; Giovanni Reyna, Julian Hall, Antonee Robinson.
Chile confirmed XI (4-3-3): Lawrence Vigoroux; Felipe Faundez, Jonathan Villagra, Ivan Roman, Diego Ulloa; Victor Felipe Mendez, Felipe Loyola, Nils Reichmuth; Maximiliano Gutierrez, Ben Brereton, Dario Osorio.
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