Pulisic left out of USMNT squad but Musah returns after World Cup snub

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JUNE 19: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Australia at Seattle Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

There will be no Christian Pulisic nor Weston McKennie for the USA in the September-October international break, but Milan midfielder Yunus Musah has been called up by Mauricio Pochettino after being left out of his 2026 World Cup squad. 

The USMNT will be in friendly action against Peru on September 26, against Chile on September 30, Mexico on October 4 and Canada on October 7 in a bumper international break that will last a week longer than usual. 

Milan midfielder Musah is the only Serie A player who has been called up to Pochettino’s squad of 28 players for the September-October international break. 

The 23-year-old, back from a loan spell with Atalanta last season, has played a prominent role for Milan following the appointment of Ruben Amorim over the summer, and is currently being picked to start ahead of former Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric in the Rossoneri midfield. 

The American has started in all of Milan’s Serie A and Europa League matches so far in 2026-27. 

His club and international teammate Pulisic will not be involved with the USA over the coming weeks, though.

Pulisic has not started for Milan at all in 2026-27, although has made two appearances off the bench at half-time in the two most recent fixtures. His last start came for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup. 

Juventus’s McKennie has not been called up either. The versatile midfielder has only just returned to training this week and only has one game under his belt so far this season, in Juve’s opening weekend victory over Frosinone. 

USMNT squad confirmed: Musah returns but no Pulisic or McKennie

Goalkeepers: Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Diego Kochen, Brian Schwake. 

Defenders: George Campbell, Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Peyton Miller, Neil Pierre, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty, Frankie Westfield. 

Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Zavier Gozo, Adri Mehmeti, Yunus Musah, Brooklyn Raines, Gio Reyna, Cavan Sullivan, Malik Tillman. 

Forwards: Mathis Albert, Cole Campbell, Justin Ellis, Julian Hall, Ricardo Pepi. 

A new cycle commences. 🇺🇸

Mauricio Pochettino has called up 28 players for a four-match window in September & October! #USMNT x @ouraring pic.twitter.com/ChaoDynJyj

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) September 17, 2026