A World Cup surprise? The MLS youngsters who can make cases for the USMNT roster
Several young MLS players are emerging as potential candidates for the USMNT's 2026 World Cup roster, with standout performances drawing attention from both domestic and international scouts. Zavier Gozo and Adri Mehmeti have impressed with their club form, showcasing skills that could address key positional needs for the national team. While integrating untested talent into a World Cup squad carries risks, their development highlights a promising pipeline from MLS academies.
- ▪Zavier Gozo, 19, has been a dynamic right winger for Real Salt Lake, displaying elite dribbling and shooting abilities.
- ▪Adri Mehmeti, a 17-year-old defensive midfielder, has become central to Red Bull New York's press-and-possess style under Michael Bradley.
- ▪Mauricio Pochettino faces tough decisions in finalizing the USMNT roster, with limited depth on the wings and inconsistent form among established players.
- ▪The USMNT struggled in its final pre-World Cup camp, losing to Belgium and Portugal by a combined 7-2 scoreline.
- ▪Christian Pulisic has gone goalless in 18 club and international appearances, while Gio Reyna remains underutilized at club level.
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Zavier Gozo, 19, has starred on the wing for Real Salt Lake this MLS season. Photograph: Tyler Tate/APView image in fullscreenZavier Gozo, 19, has starred on the wing for Real Salt Lake this MLS season. Photograph: Tyler Tate/APUSAA World Cup surprise? The MLS youngsters who can make cases for the USMNT rosterThe summer will probably come too soon, but if Mauricio Pochettino does move to bring an upstart, Zavier Gozo and Julian Hall are among the contendersJeff RueterFri 1 May 2026 07.00 EDTLast modified on Fri 1 May 2026 07.03 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleWith the US roster scheduled to drop on 26 May, it is crunch time for Mauricio Pochettino to finalize his World Cup squad.There were few glowing segments of footage for him to clip from the team’s feckless final pre-World Cup…
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