Gregg Berhalter has named his squad for the United States’ World Cup qualifiers against Mexico and Jamaica with Borussia Monchengladbach defender Joe Scally in line for a debut with the men’s national team.
Christian Pulisic returns to the squad after missing October’s games with the ankle injury he sustained in a win over Honduras but Berhalter has suffered a significant blow with the absence of Sergino Dest, who has pain in his lower back that forced him to miss Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday.
There is also no space in the 25-man squad for Daryl Dike, who has scored six goals in his last eight MLS appearances, whilst John Anthony Brooks pays the price for his recent poor form with Wolfsburg and the USMNT. Having withdrawn from October’s squad with injury he has not done enough to earn a recall. Borussia Dortmund’s Giovanni Reyna is also missing. CBS Sports first revealed last month that he was set to miss out as he battles to shake off a hamstring injury.
Reggie Cannon and Sam Vines return to Berhalter’s squad for the first time since August’s Gold Cup while Jesus Ferreira’s fine form with FC Dallas this season sees him called up.
“Our focus remains on a next game up mentality. After this window we’ll be more than halfway through the Octagonal, so we have a chance to position ourselves well heading into next year,” Berhalter said. “When it comes to USA-Mexico, I’m excited for our players because it isn’t just a game — it’s an event. This is the best of World Cup qualifying, and our group is ready for the challenge.”
The U.S. face Mexico in Cincinnati on Nov. 12 before travelling to Kingston to meet up with Jamaica four days later on Paramount+. Berhalter’s side second in the league table behind El Tri as the third round of Concacaf qualifiers approaches the halfway stage. The top three teams are guaranteed a spot in Qatar next winter, currently the USMNT have a three point cushion over fourth-placed Panama.
Roster in full
Goalkeepers: Sean Johnson (New York City FC; 9/0), Zack Steffen (Manchester City/ENG; 24/0), Matt Turner (New England Revolution; 12/0)
Defenders: Reggie Cannon (Boavista/POR; 22/1), Mark McKenzie (Philadelphia Union; 8/0), Chris Richards (Hoffenheim/GER; 4/0), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 17/1), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United; 14/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 0/0), Sam Vines (Royal Antwerp/BEL; 8/1), DeAndre Yedlin (Galatasaray/TUR; 69/0), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 20/2)
Midfielders: Kellyn Acosta (Colorado Rapids; 42/2), Tyler Adams (RB Leipzig/GER; 20/1), Gianluca Busio (Venezia/ITA; 7/0), Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy; 33/8), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 27/7), Yunus Musah (Valencia/ESP; 9/0), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 29/0)
Forwards: Brenden Aaronson (Red Bull Salzburg/AUT; 13/5), Paul Arriola (D.C. United; 41/8), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas; 2/2), Ricardo Pepi (FC Dallas; 4/3), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea/ENG; 40/16), Tim Weah (Lille/FRA; 16/1)