Are you ignoring us? Will the U.S. release a second-tier match against Korea…Excluding a large number of European players in September's A-match, why?

Aug 27, 2025

Are you ignoring us? Will the U.S. release a second-tier match against Korea…Excluding a large number of European players in September's A-match, why?
◇AFP Yonhap News



Are you ignoring us? Will the U.S. release a second-tier match against Korea…Excluding a large number of European players in September's A-match, why?
Yonhap News
The U.S. national team, led by Mauricio Pochettino, announced the call-up list for the September warm-up match between Korea and Japan. However, the weight seems to be slightly lower.

Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Timothy Weah (Marceu), Tyler Adams (Bonmouth), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), and Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven) were listed on Pochettino's list of 22 players released on the 27th (Korea time). It is also notable that Jonathan Klinsmann (Chesena), the son of former German coach Jurgen Klinsmann, was included in the goalkeeper's position. The U.S. Soccer Association has suggested that one more player will be selected later.

However, a significant number of the main players were missing. Goalkeeper Matthew Turner (New England) and veteran Jack Stephen (Colorado Rappies) were excluded, while Mark McKinsey (Toulouse), Anthony Robinson (Fullum), Joe Scully, Giovanni Reyna (Mönchengladbach), Brandon Aaronson (Liz), Malik Tillman (Leverkusen), Johnny Cardoso (Atletico Madrid), and Western McKenney (Juventus) were also not on the list. Despite the presence of a large number of competitive players, it is said that it is far from the full body.




The U.S. went straight to the 2026 North-China World Cup finals as co-hosts along with Mexico and Canada. He went straight to the finals without qualifying for the North-China Caribbean Federation (CONCACAF) and is maintaining his senses and tactics through an exhibition match. It is true that there is little justification to have a best member scattered in Europe.

Are you ignoring us? Will the U.S. release a second-tier match against Korea…Excluding a large number of European players in September's A-match, why?
Yonhap News
There are many practical reasons. The Guardian, a British daily newspaper, said 'Most of the players excluded this time are injured or have just returned. Pochettino included 12 domestic players who played in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. It is interpreted as an intention to find power to use in the finals through domestic competition that showed potential in the Gold Cup. It is similar to national team coach Hong Myung-bo, who played a domestic game through the 2025 East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship immediately after confirming his advance to the finals. Mexico, where Hong Myung-bo will face off following the U.S. match, has also recently set up a list of national team call-up drills. While the list of warm-up matches in September is expected to be made soon, some newcomers are expected to join according to the results of the call-up training.

Although the U.S. has lost its strength, it is a significant expedition for Hong Myung-bo. The U.S., the venue of the tournament, will face the U.S., the home team, and the strongest Mexico in North and Central America, respectively. It is expected to be a big study in that it can adapt to various environments such as fatigue and recovery methods by long-distance travel, stadiums, grounds, and climate in advance.




Hong Myung-bo will face the U.S. in New Jersey on the 7th and Mexico in Nashville on the 10th, respectively.



◇ U.S. national team's September warm-up call-up list (22)




▶GK=Matt Freeze (New York City), Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati), Jonathan Klinsmann (Chesena)

▶DF=Team Liam (Shalat FC), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Maximilian Aphsten (Columbus Crew), Alex Freeman (Orando City), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union), Noakai Banks (Auxburg), Tristan Blackman (VANUCOPS)

▶MF=Tyler Adams (Bonemouth), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo), Sebastian Berholter (VANCO Whitecaps), Sean Javitsky (Columbus Crew)

▶FW=Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Timos Weah (Marceu), Josh Sargent (Norwich City), Alejandro Gendejas (America), Damien Downs (Southampton)



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.