Cavan Sullivan, 16, headlines USMNT squad; Pochettino leaves out Pulisic

Mauricio Pochettino has named a 28-player United States men's national team squad for the upcoming FIFA international window, and the headline is impossible to miss: Cavan Sullivan, the 16-year-old Philadelphia Union phenom, is in. Christian Pulisic, the team's established star and AC Milan winger, is out. The roster announcement immediately sets up a fascinating contrast between a teenage prospect and a seasoned leader, and it offers a clear window into how Pochettino is shaping his group.

The timing matters. Pochettino is building toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup on home soil, and every international window is a chance to test players, build chemistry and refine a style. Including Sullivan while omitting Pulisic shows he is willing to prioritize development and evaluation over reputation.

Sullivan's rapid rise

Cavan Sullivan has been one of the most talked-about young players in American soccer for years. A Philadelphia Union academy product, he has regularly been described as a generational talent, and his inclusion in a senior national team camp at 16 is a significant milestone. It does not guarantee him minutes, but it gives him a chance to train with established professionals and absorb Pochettino's methods.

For the U.S. program, calling up a player this young is a statement. It suggests Pochettino is willing to look beyond the usual hierarchy and reward potential. Sullivan's development will be managed carefully, but his presence in the squad will excite fans who follow the youth ranks. It also puts pressure on the teenager to handle the step up with maturity.

Pulisic omission raises questions

Christian Pulisic's absence is the other major storyline. The AC Milan winger has long been the face of the USMNT, and leaving him out of a 28-player roster is notable. The excerpt does not specify why Pulisic was left out, so any explanation—load management, injury, or a tactical decision—remains speculative.

What is clear is that Pochettino is using this window to evaluate options. Pulisic's omission opens minutes and opportunities for other attackers, and it forces the squad to function without its most reliable creative force. For a manager still putting his stamp on the team, that is a useful test. It also gives younger wide players a chance to prove they can contribute in important moments.

What it means going forward

This roster is a snapshot of Pochettino's project. He is blending youth with experience, and he is not afraid to make bold calls. Sullivan's inclusion shows the pathway is open for young players who impress, while Pulisic's absence reminds everyone that no spot is guaranteed.

The upcoming FIFA international window will be a valuable experiment. If Sullivan holds his own, he could become a regular fixture in future squads. If the team copes without Pulisic, Pochettino will have more confidence in his depth. Either way, the USMNT's next chapter is already taking shape, and the football world will be watching closely.