The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) has announced key roster changes ahead of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, responding to a series of injuries that have impacted the squad. Veteran defender Walker Zimmerman, midfielder Paxten Aaronson, and defender Nathan Harriel have been called up to replace the injured DeJuan Jones, Sean Zawadzki, and Folarin Balogun.
Folarin Balogun, a forward for AS Monaco, was expected to return to the national team after recovering from a shoulder injury but has been sidelined again due to a new ankle injury. Balogun has scored five goals in 17 appearances for the USMNT since his debut in 2023. Defender DeJuan Jones is out with a lower body injury, and midfielder Sean Zawadzki is recovering from a knee injury.
Walker Zimmerman brings significant experience to the squad, with 43 national caps and a history of leadership on the field. He was a starter in the 2022 World Cup and played a crucial role in the 2024 Olympics, where the U.S. team reached the quarter-finals. Zimmerman has also been recognized for his performance in Major League Soccer, winning Defender of the Year honors in 2020 and 2021.
Paxten Aaronson, joining his brother Brenden on the team, adds depth to the midfield. He recently completed a loan spell with FC Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie, where he contributed eight goals and four assists during the season. This marks his return to the national team after participating in the 2024 Olympics.
Nathan Harriel, a defender from the Philadelphia Union, is seeking his first cap with the senior national team. He has been involved in previous training camps and was part of the 2024 Olympic roster. Harriel’s inclusion aims to bolster the defensive lineup in the absence of DeJuan Jones.
These roster adjustments come as the USMNT prepares for upcoming friendlies against Turkey on June 7 in East Hartford, Connecticut, and Switzerland on June 10 in Nashville, Tennessee. These matches will serve as preparation for the Gold Cup group stage, where the U.S. will face Trinidad & Tobago on June 15 in San Jose, Saudi Arabia on June 19 in Austin, and Haiti on June 22 in Arlington, Texas.
The team is already without several key players for various reasons. Christian Pulisic has opted to rest after a demanding season with AC Milan. Yunus Musah withdrew for personal reasons, and Antonee Robinson is recovering from minor knee surgery. Additionally, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna are unavailable due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino faces the challenge of assembling a competitive squad amid these absences. The current roster includes a mix of seasoned players and newcomers, with 13 of the 27 players having four or fewer caps, including seven debutants. Pochettino is focusing on evaluating emerging talent and building team cohesion ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The final 26-man Gold Cup roster must be submitted by June 4. The upcoming friendlies will be crucial for players to secure their spots and for the coaching staff to assess the team’s readiness for the tournament.