USMNT roster, squad for October 2025 friendly matches against Ecuador, Australia

As 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations continue, USMNT fans continue to learn a lot about how Mauricio Pochettino views the player pool as he announced the squad for the October international friendlies against Ecuador and Australia.

Having all but confirmed that September matches against South Korea and Japan were the last chance for fringe players to show their colors, it’s believed that this group is thought of as the frontrunners for World Cup places next summer.

Christian Pulisic headlines the group again, while Weston McKennie, Haji Wright, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Tanner Tessman return to the fold after extended absences. Antonee Robinson returns from a lengthy injury absence, while Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest miss out due to fitness concerns.

The likes of Aidan Morris, James Sands, and Patrick Agyemang have worked their way back into the fold with strong appearances for European-based clubs, while domestic-based players like Alex Freeman and Diego Luna appear to have forced their way into the depth chart.

Needing to show they are capable of defending their FIFA rank of 16th in the world, the U.S. will meet Ecuador (FIFA No. 24) in Austin on October 10, followed by a date with Australia (FIFA No. 25) outside Denver four days later.

The Sporting News brings you a look at how the roster has shaken out now that it has been officially announced.

MORE: A full look at the 2025 USMNT schedule as well as results and highlights from previous matches

USMNT roster for October friendlies vs. Ecuador, Australia

Mauricio Pochettino has called in 26 players for the October friendlies against Ecuador and Australia.

While it’s believed that Pochettino has called in the players he believes to be the best contenders for the World Cup squad next summer, there are a few mitigating factors. Injuries always remain a concern, while the battle between domestic-based and foreign-based players continues to see players jockey for position.

Below is the official roster for the U.S. men’s national team in the October international break, announced on Thursday, October 2.

MORE: Winners and losers from the September international break

Christian Pulisic in electric form

USMNT star Christian Pulisic has begun the club season in world-class form with AC Milan, leading the Italian side to a spot atop the Serie A table.

The 27-year-old American has scored six goals and assisted two more in seven matches to begin the season, finding the back of the net in all but two games thus far.

Having put the summer’s clash with Mauricio Pochettino firmly in the rear-view mirror, Pulisic looks ready to lead the U.S. through their World Cup preparations and into next summer’s tournament. As long as he can remain healthy, the U.S. has one of the most in-form players on their side.

MORE: Christian Pulisic needs more walk, less talk after Gold Cup absence

Injuries subsiding

As it stands, the U.S. has a roster that is largely free of injury concerns for the first time in what feels like a while.

The biggest question was Antonee Robinson, who is only just returning from offseason knee surgery that kept him largely uninvolved at Fulham to begin the Premier League season. Having just made his return at the club level, he’s been included on the roster for the first time since March, although Mauricio Pochettino hinted that he may not be risked on the pitch a significant amount.

Tyler Adams is not included in the roster, and Pochettino confirmed this was due to the Bournemouth midfielder expecting the birth of a child in the next few days.

Ricardo Pepi was brought off early in PSV’s league match against Excelsior, and while the muscle injury is thought to be minor, he was left off the roster. His club teammate Sergino Dest was absent from PSV’s Champions League draw with Bayer Leverkusen, and while Peter Bosz suggested the issue is minor, he was not included on the roster. Patrick Agyemang is back from a sports hernia and contributing for Derby County, and is included, likely as a replacement for Pepi.

Goalkeeper Matt Freese, who has firmly entrenched himself in the conversation to start at next summer’s World Cup, will be a late call for Mauricio Pochettino after picking up a head injury in NYCFC’s match this past weekend, departing in the 67th minute. NYCFC boss Pascal Jansen said they need to “wait and see,” but he makes the roster.

Midfielder Johnny Cardoso has picked up an ankle injury early in his time at new club Atletico Madrid and is likely unavailable. Gio Reyna‘s career-long struggles with muscle injuries continue as he remains out with a hamstring injury picked up early in his Gladbach tenure.

MLS players included despite league playoff chase

While European players were largely overlooked the last two international breaks, it was thought there could be a few MLS-based internationals who could remain with their clubs through the October international window.

Mauricio Pochettino hinted that players at clubs fighting for playoff spots could be given the chance to stay and aid in that push.

That ended up being false, as national team players with clubs such as Orlando City (Alex Freeman), Real Salt Lake (Diego Luna), Seattle Sounders (Cristian Roldan) who have games scheduled during the international break will have to press on without some of their most important players.

The Vancouver Whitecaps will have their stars, however, as Sebastian Berhalter and Brian White were not called in.

Yunus Musah, Joe Scally left out

One regular who could remain on the outside is Yunus Musah, who has failed to secure a spot in the starting lineup after moving from AC Milan in the summer.

Since moving late in the transfer window, Musah has logged just 55 minutes across four total matches, coming off the bench for late cameos in all four.

With the U.S. midfield crowded and a debate still raging over where Musah’s best position lies, the 22-year-old could have more to prove if he wants to be selected by the highly critical Mauricio Pochettino who has shown a tendency to leave those not performing at the club level at home.

Another regular who misses out is Joe Scally, who despite being a regular for Borussia Monchengladbach for years, has fallen down the pecking order as Pochettino prefers domestic options. Gladbach have had a horrid start to the season and are bottom of the Bundesliga table, possibly contributing to his omission.

When asked about their absences, Pochettino was resistant to give an explanation. “Next time you provide your list and your roster and we can debate,” the head coach said to ESPN reporter Jeff Carlisle who asked about their omission. “I’m not going to talk because we haven’t explained players who are not with us. When you are asking me about players that are not in the squad, it is because I think in your mind you believe they have a right to be here. I think we need to give respect to the players who are in the 26.

“There are not too many players around the world…you can ask me why Messi is not in the roster, this type of player, Maradona, Pele. When you are talking about different names, you need to respect the players that are here.”

How to watch USMNT friendlies vs. Ecuador, Australia

The United States will take on South American side Ecuador first on Friday, October 10 in Austin, Texas. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT.

That match will be followed by a second friendly against Australia four days later from Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado. That match will begin at 9 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. MT.

USA vs. Ecuador

• TV (English): TNT, truTV
• Streaming (English): Max, Sling
• TV (Spanish): Universo
• Streaming (Spanish): Fubo, Peacock, Universo NOW

USA vs. Australia

• TV (English): TNT
• Streaming (English): Max, Sling
• TV (Spanish): Universo, Telemundo
• Streaming (Spanish): Fubo, Peacock, Universo NOW, Telemundo Deportes en Vivo