# USMNT shifts focus to teen stars after World Cup exit

> Pochettino reshapes USMNT roster post-World Cup loss, prioritizing young talent over Christian Pulisic.
- Title: USMNT shifts focus to teen stars after World Cup exit
- Summary: Pochettino reshapes USMNT roster post-World Cup loss, prioritizing young talent over Christian Pulisic. Pochettino excluded Christian Pulisic from USMNT…
- Keywords: usmnt, pochettino, christian pulisic, cavan sullivan, 2030 world cup, seahawks, nfl, mexico, chile, peru, canada, concacaf nations league
- Source: New York Post — https://nypost.com/2026/09/17/sports/christian-pulisic-off-usmnt-roster-after-world-cup-as-teen-stars-get-chance
- Published: 2026-09-17T15:04:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: usmnt, pochettino, christian pulisic, cavan sullivan, 2030 world cup, seahawks, nfl, mexico, chile, peru, canada, concacaf nations league
## USMNT roster overhaul
Pochettino reshapes USMNT roster after losing to Belgium in July World Cup.

> The doors are open for everyone
## 13 uncapped players join camp
Pochettino calls 13 uncapped players and 28 total for friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada.

> Now it’s a new start
## Cavan Sullivan emerges
16-year-old Cavan Sullivan scores or assists in seven of last eight games with Philadelphia Union.

> He’s special because he’s a 16-year-old playing in this level
## Christian Pulisic left out
Pochettino excluded Christian Pulisic from USMNT camp despite his Milan appearances.

> We try to call the players that we believe are the best for this roster
## Pulisic’s absence explained
Pochettino says Pulisic’s lack of club games and 2025 Gold Cup skip led to his exclusion.

> Tempting as it is to read into Pulisic’s absence
## Young talent focus
12 of 13 uncapped players are 21 or younger with Cavan Sullivan as key hope for 2030 World Cup.

> Now is a great opportunity for everyone that is going to be involved to keep their place
## Pulisic’s return chance
Yunus Musah, who skipped 2025 Gold Cup, returns to USMNT roster after World Cup exit.

> Yunus Musah fell out of favor with Pochettino after skipping the Gold Cup
## Key takeaway

Pochettino excluded Christian Pulisic from USMNT training camp to focus on 12 uncapped players aged 21 or younger for the 2030 World Cup.