Overview

• U.S. Soccer completed the squad at 23 by adding AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun, his first national team call-up in a year following shoulder surgery and a summer ankle setback.
• Christian Pulisic returns after skipping the Gold Cup, with Pochettino saying the issue is behind them and stressing the priority is that he arrives fit from AC Milan.
• Weston McKennie and Johnny Cardoso were omitted as the coach wants them to regain rhythm at their clubs after shortened preseasons.
• Pochettino reiterated that no spots are guaranteed, emphasizing open competition in one of the last evaluation windows before full World Cup preparations.
• The U.S. hosts South Korea on Sept. 6 in Harrison, New Jersey, then Japan on Sept. 9 in Columbus, Ohio, with Vancouver’s Brian White ruled out by a hamstring injury.