AC Milan attacker Christian Pulisic, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and Fulham defender Antonee Robinson highlight the 26-player roster named on Thursday by United States men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino for two friendlies in the October international window.

The U.S. will play Ecuador in Austin, Texas, on Oct. 10, followed by another match four days later against Australia in Commerce City, Colorado. All three countries have already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted next summer by Canada, Mexico and the United States. Players will begin reporting for training camp in Austin on Oct. 4.

Following a September window that featured some experimentation in terms of personnel, this roster is comprised mostly of players one would expect to feature for the full U.S. team. Robinson received his first call-up for 2025 after recovering from knee surgery last May, while McKennie returns for the first time since the Concacaf Nations League last March.

Other returnees include Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson, Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, Middlesbrough midfielder Aidan Morris, Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann and New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner. St. Pauli midfielder James Sands earned his first call-up under Pochettino.

Tessmann and Morris were both rewarded for outstanding starts to the club season, with Tessmann scoring twice in recent weeks for Lyon, while Morris has earned multiple Man of the Match awards with Middlesbrough. Club América midfielder Alejandro Zendejas has continued his fine form, scoring twice in a recent victory over Pumas UNAM in Liga MX. Coventry City forward Haji Wright leads the English Championship with seven goals.

Pulisic is the most in-form player of anyone on the U.S. roster. He has so far scored six goals and added two assists in all competitions this season for AC Milan. His four goals in league play top Serie A.

AFC Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams is the most noticeable absentee, with Pochettino expected to explain the player’s absence later on Thursday.

Injuries also resulted in several players not being named to the squad. This list includes the PSV Eindhoven duo of defender Sergiño Dest and forward Ricardo Pepi, as well as Atlético Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso and Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Giovanni Reyna.

Another somewhat surprising exclusion is Gladbach defender Joe Scally, who has turned in some impressive performances in recent weeks as a wingback, even as his side has struggled. His absence means Orlando City SC Alex Freeman is the only player who operates primarily as a right-sided defender or wingback for his club.

There was also no room for Norwich City forward Josh Sargent, who while getting off to an impressive start to the league season, has struggled mightily in a U.S. uniform, having not scored an international goal since 2019. Atalanta midfielder Yunus Musah was also left off the roster, despite contributing an assist in his club’s midweek win over Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League.

Ecuador recently clinched its fifth World Cup appearance, having finished in second place in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying table behind Argentina.

Australia secured its spot by finishing second in its group during the third round of Asian Football Confederation qualifiers, marking the country’s sixth consecutive World Cup appearance.  

DETAILED ROSTER BY POSITION (Club/Country; Caps/Goals)

GOALKEEPERS (4): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire; 0/0), Matt Freese (New York City FC; 9/0), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew; 3/0), Matt Turner (New England Revolution; 52/0)

DEFENDERS (8): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 12/1), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic/SCO; 19/0), Alex Freeman (Orlando City; 9/0), Mark McKenzie (FC Toulouse/FRA; 22/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 77/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 33/3), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 50/4), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 35/3)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 53/9), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; 14/3), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 60/11), Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough/ENG; 9/0), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 39/0), James Sands (FC St. Pauli/GER; 11/0), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyon/FRA; 8/0), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen/GER; 25/3)

FORWARDS (6): Patrick Agyemang (Derby County/ENG; 12/5), Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco/FRA; 19/6), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 80/32), Tim Weah (Marseille/FRA; 45/7), Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG; 17/5), Alex Zendejas (Club América/MEX; 13/2)

The Indiana Fever’s valiant effort to make the WNBA Finals came to an end on Tuesday night as they fell to A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces in Game 5, 107-98.

Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell has been a bright spot for the team all season as the roster saw several star players, including Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, go down for the season due to injury. But Mitchell had a scary moment herself during the game.

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Mitchell was about to drive along the baseline in the fourth quarter when Aliyah Boston was called for her fifth foul. The veteran guard stood in the key for a moment and grabbed onto an official’s arm, appearing to signal that she needed some help. She gingerly went down to the floor as Fever players and staff came over to tend to her.

She was helped off the floor and into the locker room. The Fever said Mitchell was taken to the hospital for severe cramping.

On Wednesday, Mitchell revealed she suffered from a medical condition called rhabdomyolysis that could prevent her muscles from functioning properly.

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) celebrates after making a play against the Las Vegas Aces during the second quarter of game five of the second round of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena on Sept. 30, 2025. (Stephen R. Sylvanie/Imagn Images)

A’JA WILSON ‘DISGUSTED’ BY WNBA COMMISSIONER’S ALLEGED COMMENTS, BACKS NAPHEESA COLLIER AMID LEAGUE CRITICISM

“I suffered from something called Rhabdomyolysis last night. my muscles stopped producing and reached its maximum capacity,” she wrote. “I went into a sense of numbness/paralyzing feeling with no movement from my lower extremities for up to 5 to 7 seconds.

“I panicked because I began to think the worse when I felt I couldn’t move my legs. It was an out of body experience and I thank God for covering me at a time like that.”

Mitchell, a three-time All-Star, was among the Fever players who stepped up tremendously in their other stars’ absences. She played 44 games this season, averaging 20.2 points and 3.4 assists per game.

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell (0) drives against Las Vegas Aces guard Dana Evans (11) during the second half of Game 5 of a WNBA basketball playoff semifinals series Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

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Las Vegas will play the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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While it would appear that he retains the backing of the board for the time being, Ruben Amorim is a man who is attempting to operate under considerable, and rapidly mounting pressure at Manchester United.

Wildly inconsistent performances and results have left Amorim’s misfits wallowing in 14th place in the Premier League table after six games, with just a three-point buffer between themselves and the relegation zone. United’s wild inconsistency has seen them fail to string together two consecutive wins across any competition under Amorim, while also spending just two gameweeks in the top half of the table since the 40-year-old took the helm in November 2024 following the abrupt departure of Erik ten Hag,

The recent 3-1 defeat to Brentford was the 17th league loss of Amorim’s 33-game stint at United, during which the team has accrued just 34 points, This pegs the Portuguese coach’s league win rate at a mere 27.3%, which is considerably lower than the worst previously mustered by any permanent United manager in the Premier League era (the 50% of David Moyes).

The sight of Amorim deep in despondent rumination, hunched on the touchline with his head clutched in his hands, has almost come to define his tenure so far, with a staunch refusal to yield over his tactical ideals leaving United looking no better in 2025-26 than they did last season.

It feels like Amorim has been fielding questions about his job security for almost as long as he’s been in charge at Old Trafford. Amorim’s admirably candid responses have oscillated between gritty determination, utter despair, and what appear to be outright pleas to be put out of his misery.

Here is every time that Amorim has given responses — or even offered his own comments, unprompted — about the team’s travails and his own position at the helm.

– Ogden: Man United’s Amorim running out of excuses; the numbers don’t lie
– Dawson: Struggling Brentford deepen Amorim’s Man United malaise
– Early-season angst check: Worrying about Real, Man Utd, Wrexham, more

Nov. 24, 2024

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Amorim: Man United will suffer for a long time

Ruben Amorim reflects on his first game as Man United manager after a 1-1 draw against Ipswich.

Rather than a rallying call, Amorim chose to kick things off by warning Manchester United fans that there would be plenty more hardship to come after overseeing his debut game in charge, a 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town.

“We are going to suffer for a long period. We will try to win games but this will take time. I know it is frustrating for the fans but we are changing so much in this moment with a lot of games.”

Dec. 6, 2024

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Amorim insists Man United have to ‘manage exceptions’ for improvement

Ruben Amorim speaks about the competitiveness of the Premier League and how Man United need to stay calm.

Amorim had more home truths for his players ahead of what proved to be a 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.

“[Manchester United] are a massive club, but we are not a massive team. We know it, so not a problem to say it.”

Dec. 19, 2024

Amorim had barely been in the job for a month, but adrenaline was obviously in short supply when a dramatic 4-3 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup quarterfinal (which had seen United battle back from 3-0 down) left him feeling numb.

“I will think about that [what I have learned] tomorrow. Tonight I don’t feel anything. There is nothing I can say to you.”

Dec. 22, 2024

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Amorim admits Manchester United’s fans and players are ‘suffering’

Ruben Amorim takes the blame for Manchester United’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.

Grim realisation at the enormity of his task had obviously begun to set in after United were booed off by their own fans following a dismal 3-0 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth — their third loss in four Premier League games. Thankfully, there was still room for plenty of understatement.

“In this moment, everything is so hard.”

Dec. 30, 2024

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Could Manchester United really be relegated?

Ruben Amorim shockingly answers questions about whether or not Manchester United are in a relegation fight following a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

United then swiftly lost their fourth game on the trot after falling to a 2-0 home defeat against Newcastle United, a result that left them three points above the relegation zone at the turn of the year. It was also the first time a United side had lost three straight home games in almost half a century, something Amorim admitted was “embarrassing.”

“That is really clear [United are being dragged into a relegation battle] so we have to fight.

“It is also my fault. The team is not improving. We are a little bit lost in this moment and it is a bit embarrassing to be Manchester United coach and lose a lot of games.”

Jan. 19, 2025

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Amorim brands his team ‘worst in the history of Manchester United’

Ruben Amorim doesn’t hold back on his struggling Manchester United side after another Premier League defeat.

The risible run continued into the New Year with a 3-1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion — United’s fourth loss in five home league games. Amorim had taken just 11 points from 11 games.

Speaking after the match, the Portuguese coach made the curious decision to join the chorus of derision being aimed at his rudderless team.

“In [the past] 10 games in Premier League, we won two. Imagine what this is for a fan of Manchester United. Imagine what this is for me.

“We are getting a new coach who is losing more than the last coach. I have full knowledge of that.

“We are the worst team maybe in the history of Manchester United. I know you [the media] want headlines but I am saying that because we have to acknowledge that and to change that.”

April 1, 2025

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Amorim: ‘I will not have the time’ at Manchester United

Ruben Amorim reacts to Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest after Anthony Elanga scored against his former club.

With April Fool’s puns aplenty, United lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest as they continued to flounder in 13th place. With eight league games left of the season and nothing much left to play for, Amorim speculated that time might be against him.

“In Manchester United, you don’t have the time. I will not have the time. We have to get it right fast. In here, the pressure is too big sometimes.”

May 11, 2025

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Amorim: Man United are losing the feeling of being a massive club

Ruben Amorim reacts to Manchester United’s 2-0 loss to West Ham in the Premier League.

Amorim’s side signed off the domestic season by losing six of their last nine league games, including a 2-0 home defeat against West Ham United, who themselves were winless in eight. Again, the coach bore the brunt.

“We are not scared of losing a game as Manchester United. We don’t have that fear anymore and that is the most dangerous thing that a big club can have.

“I think it’s a concern. It’s not the players fault. It’s my fault, I’m responsible.”

May 21, 2025

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Ruben Amorim spiky with journalists: ‘I will not quit’

Ruben Amorim didn’t take kindly to a journalist’s question on his team selection in the Europa League final.

Of course, while the league might have been a write-off, United still had a chance to salvage something from their season by emerging victorious in the UEFA Europa League.

After comprehensively seeing off Athletic Club across two legs in the semis, the bubble was burst by the 1-0 defeat suffered against fellow Premier League stragglers Tottenham in the final.

Speaking in the aftermath in Bilbao, Amorim admitted he would be happy to step aside if the club decided to fire him there and then.

“If the board and the fans feel I’m not the right guy, I will go in the next day without any conversation about compensation, but I will not quit.

“I’m really confident about my job and, as you can see, I will not change anything in the way I do things.”

Aug. 27, 2025

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Can Ruben Amorim survive Man United’s cup exit?

Mark Ogden reacts to Manchester United’s dramatic Carabao Cup exit and questions Ruben Amorim’s future at the club.

United succumbed to their first loss against a fourth-tier team in their 147-year history when they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town of League Two on penalties despite fighting back from 2-0 down.

On a night in which Amorim tinkering with his tactics board became an instant meme, the dispirited Portuguese coach appeared to hint that his players had now completely downed tools.

“I felt my players spoke really loud today about what they want. Something has to change, and you’re not going to change 22 players again.”

Aug. 29, 2025

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Amorim: Sometimes I want to quit Manchester United

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim speaks on his future at the club ahead of their game against Burnley.

Having failed to secure a win in his first two games of the 2025-26 season, Amorim once again remained circumspect over his immediate future while speaking ahead of United’s third game of the season, even openly admitting that he had entertained the thought of resigning.

“That is my idea [to continue as United boss] but I’m not going to promise you nothing [about] what the future will be.

“Sometimes I want to quit, sometimes I want to be here for 20 years, sometimes I love to be with my players, sometimes I don’t want to be with them.”

Sept. 19, 2025

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Amorim jokes Ratcliffe offered him a new Man United contract

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim reveals that he still has the full support of Sir Jim Ratcliffe despite a run of poor form.

With rumours continuing to swirl, Amorim was able to crack a joke after it was reported that United minority owner Jim Ratcliffe had flown in to Carrington for talks. However, the gag certainly had the air of gallows humour about it.

When asked what was discussed during his meeting with Ratcliffe, the United coach was ready with a quip.

“New contract, he was offering me a new contract!”

Amorim was then grilled on his dogmatic commitment to his preferred (and much-maligned) 3-4-3 formation despite it becoming increasingly clear that his United side are struggling to make it work on any form of concise, coherent level.

“Not even the Pope could make me change my formation.”

Sept. 26, 2025

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Amorim reiterates importance of a Brentford win

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim wants a “good start” when they face Brentford in the Premier League.

Addressing the inconsistency of his side after beating big-name rivals Chelsea, Amorim seemed to suggest that he had no idea how United would fare against Brentford and that he was simply going to approach the game like it was his last.

“To be honest, I have an idea [which version will turn up], but I don’t know how it’s going to be and I’m the manager of the team.

“The best way of dealing with that is approaching every game like it’s the last one.”

Sept. 27, 2025

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Amorim: Man United played like Brentford wanted us to

Ruben Amorim says Manchester United got sucked into Brentford’s game as they fell to a 3-1 defeat.

Man United would go on to lose 3-1 against the Bees but, undeterred, Amorim maintained that he was “not concerned” about his job amid renewed calls for a change of personnel in the Old Trafford dugout.

“I am never concerned about my job. I am not that kind of guy.

“It is not my decision. I will do the best I can every minute I am here.”