Cesar Hernandez Sep 24, 2026, 03:32 AM ET If one word defines the first call-up for the U.S. men's national team since the summer's FIFA World Cup, it's this: youth. To give the next generation some opportunities, coach Mauricio Pochettino has given several key figures a break and instead selected a noticeably younger group for upcoming friendlies in late September and early October. Of the 28 chosen, 13 have yet to make their senior national team debut.

From those 13, eight are teenagers who are continuing to fine-tune and develop their talents. Though some of these players are literally still kids, they also represent an exciting generation of up-and-comers who have the potential to become elite game changers for the U.S. by the time the 2030 World Cup rolls around, if not sooner. Shining a light on a few of these fresh faces, we've selected five names to follow in the upcoming international break.

We've also enlisted the help of ESPN's in-house guru Bill Connelly, who has provided key stats (over the last 365 days in all competitions) on each name, as well as both overly optimistic and realistic comparisons to players that they could one day become. Zavier Gozo | Midfielder | 19 | Crystal Palace Within just three years, Gozo went from earning his MLS debut in 2023 with Real Salt Lake to then gaining a high-profile move to the Premier League this summer with Crystal Palace. Typically playing on the right flank, the 19-year-old midfielder has an immense amount of energy with 8.1 progressive carries per 90 minutes.

In fact, even though Gozo hasn't played in MLS since July -- before his move to the Premier League -- he still ranks second overall in MLS for total progressive carries, carries following a defensive action, and take-ons, among teenagers in MLS."He is insanely robust. If I were to tell you the running numbers he's putting up, they're, for his age, I think world-class," said Nate Miller, a former assistant at Real Salt Lake, to ESPN. With six goals and five assists across 1,614 minutes in the last year, the attack-minded midfielder has stepped up with his 3.1 shots per 90 minutes.

He is also crucial in regaining the ball thanks to his 6.8 defensive interventions per 90 minutes. Looking back at teenagers within MLS, Gozo is still second in 2026 when it comes to total tackles."We don't know who's going to come through," said Miller about the next generation of U.S. stars. "But he should be one of the main guys in the national team in the future."Way-too-optimistic comparison: Barcelona and Spain's Lamine Yamal More realistic comparison: Leeds United's Brenden Aaronson Mathis Albert | Midfielder | 17 | Borussia Dortmund When Albert stepped onto the pitch in April for German side Borussia Dortmund, the midfielder made history as the youngest American to play in the Bundesliga at the age of 16. Since then, his appearances have been limited as a backup option on the bench --- which will skew some of our stats --- but the midfielder remains an intriguing option for the future of the national team.

Across all competitions, the former LA Galaxy academy player is averaging 8.3 progressive carries, 3.3 shots and 11.9 ground duels per 90 minutes."He was fearless, he was brave, he was relentless," said U.S. youth national team coach Gonzalo Segares to Goal.com about Albert."What stood out was his one-on-one ability. That's something we look at in players: being comfortable to take on players and beat them. That's a special talent that we look for in attacking players, and he had it."When watching clips of the player, his pace, dribbling and tenacity (typically on the left wing) immediately shine.

During his last appearance for Dortmund earlier this month, the South Carolina native led his team in shots, dribbles and ground duels in a 5-0 victory over HEBC Hamburg in the German Cup. Way-too-optimistic comparison: PSG and Georgia's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia More realistic comparison: Real Betis and Morocco's Abde Ezzalzouli Cavan Sullivan | Forward | 18 | Philadelphia Union Cavan Sullivan, the 18-year-old forward from the Philadelphia Union academy, has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in the U.S. system. In the 2026 season, he recorded 12 goals and 7 assists in 22 MLS Next Pro appearances, showcasing elite finishing and creativity.

His 4.2 shots per 90 minutes and 2.8 key passes per game highlight his attacking threat. Scouts praise his close control, vision, and ability to operate between the lines. Way-too-optimistic comparison: Manchester City's Phil Foden More realistic comparison: FC Copenhagen's Mohamed Elyounouss.