The USMNT September Roster: A Comprehensive Guide
Who is in and who is out for the last roster before the World Cup?
The significance of the September roster
September is the last chance for players to make an impression or build chemistry. For many players on the September roster this will be a pre-training camp to get those last few match situations in before the World Cup starts. For others it will be a desperate last grasp for a spot as one of the 26 names on the USMNT roster going to Qatar. Gregg Berhalter will call in his penultimate roster this coming Wednesday before the World Cup begins in November.
The September camp will conclude with two matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia played in Düsseldorf, Germany and Murcia, Spain respectively. This is a comprehensive view of the US roster and available players to be called into this camp. I will place players in their preferred position even if they will be expected to play in other roles for the USMNT. For instance I consider Brenden Aaronson a winger but can play across the front 6 positions.
Goalkeepers
Gone are the days where the goalkeeper category is deep with quality. A position of stability for decades has now become a position of need for an otherwise talented team.
Definite
Matt Turner
Turner made a huge push for the starting spot during World Cup Qualifying for the USMNT and was rewarded with a huge move from the New England Revolution in MLS to Arsenal in the Premier League.
Turner has always been an excellent shot-stopper but needed to improve with his feet. Over the last few friendlies for the USMNT, Turner has shown an enhanced passing ability that while not perfect, is good enough based on his other skill sets. Although Turner is backing up English goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in Arsenal’s depth chart, he has gotten opportunities for playing time in Cup and European matches. If he continues to stay healthy he is almost a lock to be the #1 come November.
Ethan Horvath
Ethan Horvath needed to make a jump over the summer for playing time and he did just that. Even though the other goalkeeper for Nottingham Forest moved on to a new team in France, Forest brought in Manchester United backup Dean Henderson to take the reins between the sticks. Horvath moved down to the English Championship to Luton Town who made a surprise playoff run last year.
Through 8 matches Horvath has given up 8 goals and kept two clean sheets. It’s not blistering form but based on his history with the USMNT it’s more than good enough to safely get into this roster.
Likely
Sean Johnson
The 33 year old NYCFC keeper will benefit from a lack of stability in this position. His inclusion in this roster will be more about what is happening to the others surrounding him rather than any outstanding performances.
Credit is due to Johnson though who is currently leading MLS in clean sheets with 13, but is the 16th ranked keeper in MLS based on goals prevented. He has allowed 38 goals on 36 xG - compare that with Gaga Slonina who has given up the same amount of goals on 40 xG, or Andre Blake’s 21 goals conceded on 32 expected. Johnson’s relationship with Berhalter and the team, and his excellent performance in the June friendly against Uruguay will see him through to the September camp.
Zack Steffen
Steffen has missed the last three matches for Middlesbrough with a knee injury. We don’t quite know the extent of the injury just yet but if he is healthy he will be on the roster. This is a player that will make the roster on recent history with the National team, and not on his recent performances.
The Manchester City loanee currently playing in the English Championship hasn’t exactly wowed anyone watching. Problems we thought would disappear with playing time have continued - Steffen continues to make easily avoidable mistakes seemingly for the sake of aggressiveness over prevention. It has to be said Steffen is a good goalkeeper, but it would be hard to find many fans who think he should be the starter over Turner or Horvath at this point in time.
Maybe
Gaga Slonina
The newly acquired Chelsea loanee is 2nd in MLS clean sheets with 12 in 29 matches played. At only 18 years old he is beating the likes of Sean Johnson in almost every statistical category. It won’t be long before Slonina makes his way through the Chelsea loan army into a European top 5 league.
“My heart is American,” said Slonina. “This country has given me and my family all the opportunities I could ask for. It’s pushed me and supported me through good and bad. I understand the privilege of wearing the badge, and the only time I’ll put my head down is to kiss it. America is home and that’s who I’m going to represent.”
If you’re a brand new fan it may seem in contrast to have Slonina in the “maybe” category. Gaga hasn’t been a part of the US set up for very long and with the inconsistency of the other goalkeepers on this list it may be a risk to bring him to the World Cup. Usually the 3rd goalkeeper on the roster is more of a formality than a player that will see any meaningful minutes, that may not be the case for the USMNT in Qatar. If he doesn’t make it this November, he will be a huge part of our squad marching forward to 2026.
Wildcard
Josh Cohen
The 30 year old at Maccabi Haifa is the only US goalkeeper playing in the 2022/23 Champions League. His story could rival Matt Turner’s rise to prominence - making his way through professional and amatuer divisions for most of his life before finally hitting it with Orange County SC in 2015. After a few years of moving around USL, he now has over 130 caps since 2019 for the Israeli team currently in the Champions League group stage. I really don’t think Josh Cohen makes any of these rosters going forward, but I wouldn’t be doing my due diligence if we didn’t include the only American playing in the sport’s highest level of competition.
Left Fullbacks
This is a position that relies heavily on Antonee “Jedi” Robinson being available. The picture gets muddied quickly after his name on the depth chart.
Antonee Robinson
Thankfully it looks like Jedi will be available for this camp although his minutes may be limited to account for his recent ankle injury. Jedi plays a critical part in the way USMNT likes to setup whether we are in a 4 or 5 in the back.
“We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see, and then day by day to see how he is,” Silva said postmatch. “Let’s hope that it’s nothing serious and let’s hope he can be ready for next week, but now is too soon to talk about it.”
If Antonee Robinson is not available - Gregg has a lot of difficult decisions to make not only in roster construction but how he wants to build gameplans against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Likely
Joe Scally
Joe Scally has had his large share of successes with his club team Borussia Mönchengladbach in the German Bundesliga. A welcome surprise for many fans who didn’t really know what to expect when he made his move from NYCFC while playing very few first team minutes before making the move in 2021. Still only 19 years old Joe Scally is making a name for himself as a marauding wingback for a historically successful team in one of the world’s best leagues.
The opinion flips a bit as we think of Joe Scally in a US jersey. In his first camp with the USMNT, coach Gregg Berhalter said Scally was slow to take up the tactical complexities of how he wanted him to play. Called back in June to get his debut and made two mixed-bag appearances for the stars and stripes. With Jedi out it feels like a lock to have a starting Bundesliga fullback called in, but he hasn’t covered himself in glory while with the USMNT.
Sam Vines
Sam Vines is in a category of players that were pushing to be the best in their position in MLS and moved abroad to challenge themselves. While the initial move to Royal Antwerp in Belgium was bumpy, Vines has now settled into a starting role with the current leaders of Belgium’s first division. This is a league that has historically been dominated by Club Brugge and Anderlecht, so we shouldn’t discount the quality of opponent Vines faces week in and week out.
While I personally feel Joe Scally has more quality than Vines, I do think Vines will be the provisional starter if Jedi is injured.
Maybe
Dejuan Jones
Jones has continued his blistering form in MLS with 5 assists and 1 goal this season. Jones is one of the only available left backs that is naturally left footed like Jedi and would fit most into the current way the USMNT likes to play. However, Jones has not been a part of US camps and hasn’t made a debut yet for a Berhalter team. While Dejuan Jones may deserve a call-up, I doubt he gets one in this cycle.
Center Backs
It’s hard to believe Miles Robinson and Walker Zimmerman had essentially won the roles through World Cup Qualifying before Miles Robinson went down with a season-ending injury. With what is essentially one starting spot up for grabs, who is going to grab it?
Definite
Walker Zimmerman
The starting center backs at the World Cup right now are Walker Zimmerman and Chris Richards. That won’t change unless something drastic happens and deservedly Zimmerman has won over fans with his performances at the USMNT and club level. Currently he is one of the best center backs in MLS and at 29 years old is solidly in his prime.
Chris Richards
Chris Richards made a highly intelligent move from Bayern Munich to Crystal Palace this past summer and is currently a first-off-the-bench option at the back for manager Patrick Vieira. While Richards may not displace the Crystal Palace center back pairing, he has shown his qualities against the likes of Liverpool so far this season. For the US, Chris plays a very different role as a player that needs to be trusted as a starter. And he will be just that in the upcoming September camp for the USMNT.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
CCV was flipping between definite and likely for me but I really think he’s in the right category. The tree stump of a center back for Celtic has consistently shown his qualities this season. Only recently did CCV run into his first roadblock getting blown away 0-3 to Real Madrid in the Champions League. He made a few mistakes but mostly it was a case of Real Madrid being the best team in the world.
I think we have to be realistic with ourselves as a USMNT fanbase that this position is one of need. CCV isn’t a perfect answer but he is the closest thing to a 3rd option and proven depth piece that we have.
Likely
Aaron Long
You may not like seeing Aaron Long’s name in the likely category but he is a trusted player by Gregg and from what we know everyone else on the squad. A beloved player who could have made a big European move if it hadn’t been for a serious injury in 2021.
Long has his work cut out to make the World Cup roster as Tim Ream finds form and others start to work their way through better leagues across the world. Long is an athletic CB who knows the system - Gregg is a fan of players that can be leaders in the locker room and the practice pitch. Aaron Long fits the mold.
Tim Ream
Captain of an overperforming Fulham team in the Premier League, Tim Ream should be included in this roster. While USMNT fans will continue to play back his performance in the Nations League final against Mexico - it seems Ream has more than enough quality against Premier League quality opponents to not be included.
The rest of his story is not dissimilar to Aaron Long - a fiercely competitive and loyal leader who can be a guide for a very young and inexperienced squad. The last thing we need to talk about Tim Ream is that his LB partner is USMNT player Antonee Robinson. That chemistry cannot be underplayed within the group and on the pitch.
Maybe
Erik Palmer-Brown
EPB has not exactly been playing lights out for Troyes in France’s Ligue 1. Inconsistency paired with some other center backs coming back to prominence probably puts him just outside the conversation, but he was a part of the squad that finally stamped our ticket to Qatar in World Cup Qualifying. If he does get called up to the September friendlies he is one of the players on the very fringes of the squad that needs to show Gregg and the fanbase why he deserves to be included.
Mark McKenzie
Mark McKenzie has only recently found himself back in the good graces at Genk in Belgium. The thing is though… those performances have been really good. When Mckenzie has been part of the starting lineup Genk has given up two goals in four matches. It may be a little too little too late for McKenzie to climb back up the depth chart for the USMNT.
Wildcard
John Brooks
BAH GOD IS THAT JOHN BROOKS’ MUSIC?! Probably not… but it’s fun to dream about a miraculous recovery just months before the World Cup. We don’t really know what’s going down between Gregg Berhalter and John Brooks but he has now taken a step by joining Champions League hopefuls Benfica in the Portuguese first division. A knock on John Brooks was that he didn’t play in a high press system. Well now the high press can’t really be the excuse as Benfica plays as high a line as any team in Europe.
Brooks needs to find form and fitness quickly to have even the slightest chance at making the September USMNT roster. John Brooks is the same age (29) as Walker Zimmerman.
Right Fullbacks
Similar to the left side in the same position - this role is Sergino Dest’s and Dest’s alone. After his name on the depth chart it’s anyone’s guess who fills the second and third spots.
Definite
Sergino Dest
Dest finally got out of his hostage situation at Barcelona under Xavi. The incredibly talented right back made his move to AC Milan in Italy’s Serie A. The starting right back Alessandro Florenzi was recently injured and will be out for at least four months, which provides Sergino Dest with a perfect opportunity to find form before the World Cup.
Even if he stayed at Barcelona and didn’t get playing time, he is so far above our other options in the same position. Sergino Dest will be on the plane to Qatar.
Likely
Deandre Yedlin
Yedlin made his career as a journeyman in the top European leagues but last year settled back into MLS at Inter Miami. He has played in 28 matches for the MLS club this season, but hasn’t been a standout player. Yedlin will benefit from being one of the only true veterans available for selection on this team. If all goes accordingly… Yedlin will be the only player on this roster with any World Cup experience.
Maybe
Reggie Cannon
Reggie Cannon is a mystery wrapped in an enigma. Sometimes looking like the best right back available during the match against Morocco, and sometimes getting completely lost for a midtable team in Portugal’s first division.
Cannon provides some really interested tactical flexibility as he can play CB or RB in a pinch, but isn’t dominant enough in either position to jump over the other options for the USMNT. Joe Scally can play both left and right back positions and will be above Cannon in the depth charts.
Wildcard
Shaq Moore
Shaq Moore has always been a part of the USMNT conversation no matter where in the world he was playing. Moore was part of a controversial call up already when he was called up to the US World Cup Qualifying roster above Joe Scally and others in the same position.
What Shaq Moore needed was consistency in a league with more quality than La Liga 2. He did just that by moving to be Walker Zimmerman’s teammate at Nashville SC. He’s since made 7 solid appearances tallying 1 assist on a wicked cross. Moore will likely be on USMNT standby duty until something outside of his control happens with the right back situation.
Defensive Midfielders
We aren’t going to even entertain maybes or wildcards in this position. One of the most established roles on this young American squad.
Definite
Tyler Adams
The Leeds man is now more than ever a complete lock for this squad. In form, healthy, and playing consistent minutes in the Premier League is a recipe for success that every other player on this roster should be looking to for inspiration.
Adams will play a crucial role in shutting down the midfield of our World Cup opponents and these upcoming friendlies will be great tests to get ready. Pairing Adams with an in form Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah could prove to be an underdog recipe if we make it into the knockout rounds.
Likely
Kellyn Acosta
Acosta is a really interesting player. Someone who we know could play at the level of a Europa League squad but hasn’t quite made his way out of MLS. Now it may be too late in his career for a team across the pond to take the chance.
He’s still performing week in, week out for one of the best teams in MLS at LAFC. Kellyn Acosta not only has his current form to thank for an inclusion on the September USMNT roster, but a proven pedigree as Tyler Adams backup in the crucial moments of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying.
James Sands
James Sands is one of many of the US eligible players that have had huge rising stocks over the last few months. The NYCFC defender on loan at Rangers in Scotland has made himself the de facto starter as a defensive midfielder who also drops into the center back position.
Sands flexibility at positions of need will benefit him and likely means a callup is in his future. James Sands, Malik Tillman, and CCV were seen at dinner with Gregg Berhalter the night after the Old Firm Derby presumably discussing the September camp.
Central Midfielders
The top three in this position are so far and above the other candidates that it’s hard to pick anyone else after. I do think some of the players I will put as wingers (Tillman and Aaronson) will fill in as attacking 8s for this team.
Definite
Weston McKennie
The superhuman otherwise known as Weston McKennie has recovered from his dislocated shoulder in time for the Serie A season. Juventus is undefeated in the young season with McKennie playing a crucial part in the center of their midfield.
He added a goal to his name in Juventus’ opening Champions League match against PSG. There’s not really much more to say - Weston McKennie is one of the most important and influential players this US team has. If healthy he is easily a lock for the USMNT roster.
Yunus Musah
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again and I’ll scream it from every rooftop I can find - when all is said and done, Yunus Musah will be one of the best players to ever put on a US jersey. At only 19 years old he is quickly becoming one of the best U20 prospects in the world.
The best thing for the US fans however, is that Musah is moving rapidly from prospect to performing. Now a starter at Valencia in their central midfield he is now adding production to his toolkit. In one of the first few matches of the season Musah laced a long-range shot into the near post that was called off for a foul much earlier in the play, but we all saw it.
Two weekends ago Musah was the man of the match for Valencia in their 5-1 route of Getafe with two assists including a worldie. I’ll say it again - if Adams, McKennie, and Musah are at their best they will be among the strongest midfields at the World Cup.
Luca de la Torre
Let’s move the discussion across La Liga where an upstart Celta Vigo are currently sitting just outside the European spots after four mathdays. Luca de la Torre has made the step up from Heracles in the Dutch first division to a much more intense league. de la Torre hasn’t gotten a ton of playing time - only 10 total minutes through the first four matches, it’s all good.
With other central midfielders healthy and producing we only need de la Torre to play the role of backup. We all know his quality and can’t wait to see it play out for Celta Vigo, and he’s done enough in a US jersey to warrant a place on this roster.
Wildcard
Djordje Mihailovic
It’s a sign of the times when it’s difficult for a 23 year old that is one of the best in his position in MLS and worth upwards of $6,000,000 on the open transfer market to have trouble getting into the US squad but here we are. Mihailovic is having a wonderful season with 8 goals and 3 assists while playing a crucial role in Montreal sitting 2nd in the Eastern Conference. He could be an option as he is flexible playing centrally and on the wing, but at this point in the cycle I doubt he’ll be brought in. He still has quality to give in the next stages of his career for the USMNT.
Unavailable
Christian Roldan
While Roldan could be in the Maybe/Wildcard category he is currently injured until late September. I don’t think he’s done enough to warrant an injured callup and probably means his last chance at making the World Cup roster is gone.
Wingers
The easiest of all positions to navigate. Four incredibly talents and exciting players who are healthy and playing at the top level.
Definite
Christian Pulisic
The talisman of the USMNT Christian Pulisic. Pulisic has a new coach at Chelsea and will have a chance to win back his starting place for the London Blues, but honestly none of that matters as it relates to his place on the USMNT.
Christian Pulisic will be an important part of this team no matter his current impact at the club level. The only thing that matters for US fans going into the World Cup weeks and months is that Pulisic is healthy. If anything we may see a Pulisic with a chip on his shoulder going into the matches against Wales and England.
Timothy Weah
Weah suffered a slight knock that has kept him out the last few weeks for Lille but his place is protected on this roster. Weah’s performances in a US jersey and especially based on his production that carried the US through World Cup Qualifying is enough to lock him into the September camp.
He may not play a ton of minutes as he continues his recovery but it looks like he will be available for selection sooner rather than later. Hopefully his time at Lille is limited to help in his recovery in time for the World Cup in November.
Gio Reyna
Finally Gio Reyna is back healthy and absolutely crushing any doubts that he needs to earn his spot back. Gio Reyna is that dude. Reyna became the first American to assist two goals in one Champions League match and he didn’t even start the match!
He hasn’t played a ton of minutes over the last year, but the 19 year old could be the difference between crashing out of Group B for the US or making a deep run into the knockouts. We’ll all be praying to whatever thing in the sky we believe for Gio Reyna’s health going into November.
Brenden Aaronson
I don’t think there was an easier category to choose than these four wingers. Brenden Aaronson took his chances while Pulisic and Reyna were injured for much of 2021 which helped him cement his place on the US team and eventually get a big move to Leeds United in the English Premier League.
He’s been one of, if not the best Leeds player so far this season. He has gained plaudits from every opposing coach Leeds have faced and is quickly becoming a favorite at Elland Road. Leeds fans have created a song just for him set to the tune of Estelle’s “American Boy”.
Likely
Malik Tillman
Much like his club counterpart James Sands, Malik Tillman has played himself into the conversation this year. The only stumble was against another countryman in Rangers horrible derby loss to CCV’s Celtic.
Tillman has quickly made himself an undroppable piece for the Glasgow club, and is a high quality option if we want positionally-flexible players on the September roster. Tillman can play on the wing or as an attacking 8. His quick feet, passing vision, and physical presence makes him a likely pick for the September roster.
Maybe
Paul Arriola
Arriola will be a name many fans won’t want to see when the roster comes out but the reality is if we are considering the likes of Jesus Ferreira, Kellyn Acosta, and Deandre Yedlin we really shouldn’t discount Arriola’s performances so far this season.
If he is fortunate to make the final 26 player roster for the Qatar World Cup I wouldn’t expect to see him play many minutes, but instead be a player that can push the intensity in practice and play as a defensive winger if we’re closing out matches. Not to discount his actual quality or production - Arriola is one of the reasons by Ferreira is finding so much success in MLS this year. Paul Arriola has racked up 12 goal contributions in 29 matches for FC Dallas this year.
Wildcard
Jordan Morris
Maybe it’s too late to add a doubtful category but that’s where I would put JoMo. With worse production than Paul Arriola and considerably less goodwill built with the USMNT over the qualification campaign I really can’t see Morris making this roster with so many other quality options. With Tillman and Arriola as the other available options I don’t expect to see Morris’ name come Wednesday.
Strikers
MLS vs Europe. Strikers were a position of need as the Summer began, but quickly has become a position where there is quality and form everywhere you look. Why is it then I only have one lock for the September roster? Well… it’s hard to know who comes after Jesus Ferreira.
Definite
Jesus Ferreira
Ferreira is the only lock from the prospective list of USMNT strikers. Obviously we will take more than one forward with us to the September camp and eventual World Cup but Jesus is the only one we know for sure will be there. He has the best combination of USMNT experience and consistent form throughout this past season. The 21 year old designated captain of FC Dallas has his team 3rd in the Western Conference and has dragged them to life with 16 goals and 5 assists in 29 matches.
Jesus Ferreira will be called upon to play a deeper, more connected role in matches where we expect to have possession or even potentially when we need an outlet. He will need to continue his form into the MLS Playoffs so there is no break between season and World Cup.
Likely
Jordan Pefok
Jordan Pefok would be a lock for this roster if Gregg didn’t hesitate to make him a part of this team through World Cup Qualifying. Pefok recently picked up a knock but is expected to be back soon for Union Berlin.
Pefok needed to make the jump from the Swiss league to the German Bundesliga to prove his production was good enough against higher levels of competition. He has proven an ability to find the goal and created momentum to move up the US depth chart. Hopefully his injury isn’t too serious because he has 2 goals and 2 assists in 4 Bundesliga matches so far this season making him one of the most inform strikers at the highest level.
Josh Sargent
Speaking of productive in form forwards Josh Sargent has entered the conversation. The out of favor Norwich City player has had a resurgence in the English Championship. As Pukki went out with injury Josh stepped up to the center forward position and made his mark.
The 22 year old has scored in 4 of his last 5 appearances for club and has quickly come back to prominence in the minds of US fans. At the beginning of the summer we were desperate for any striker to start scoring but now it looks like we are spoiled with riches. Sargent may be able to bookend his time with the USMNT - having been a part of the first World Cup Qualifying window way back in September 2021 and then not making an appearance since.
Maybe
Haji Wright
Haji Wright is right on the cusp. A streaky forward that can be a world beater at times and invisible at others is hard to depend on on the biggest stages, but Wright may bring something to the table that not many others in his position have. Haji Wright boasts a combination of size, speed, and technique rarely seen for any forward let alone those eligible for the US.
5 goals in 5 appearances so far this season for Antalyaspor is nothing to sneeze at. If Wright can continue his form back up in the Turkish League he can make a stronger case for himself, but at the moment he may be one of the last names of the list come Wednesday’s announcement.
Brandon Vazquez
We have a late charging name into the mix of forwards as Brendan Vazquez has torn through MLS this season for a very mediocre team at FC Cincinnati. The only thing I’ll say is his highlights are fun to watch… he obviously has a lot to give to the National team but it may not be the right time to bring him in. With 20 goal contributions in 28 matches his production is almost exactly matching Jesus Ferreira’s in the same league.
Wildcard
Ricardo Pepi
The out of favor forward at Augsburg got a loan deal to FC Groningen in the Netherlands. He’s just received his work permit and it remains to be seen what role he will play for the Dutch team.
If Gregg is feeling kind, he may call Pepi in to give him one last chance to win a spot on the World Cup roster. The 19 year old deserves a lot of credit for salvaging the early stages of USA's World Cup Qualifying campaign.
Folarin Balogun
Balogun wasn’t included in Gregg Berhalter’s comments about who is fighting for the #9 position within the USMNT roster, but Balogun is a US-eligible forward producing at the highest level. The Arsenal striker is on loan to Reims in France but is on a complete torrent scoring 5 and assisting 1 in his first 6 appearances for his new team.
We do not have anyone even close to Balogun’s skill on the ball in the forward position, and he would add a tactical and technical layer for a USMNT team that is gleaming with quality in every position surrounding the center forward.
Just a couple corrections. While Dejuan Jones does have a very good left foot, he is actually naturally right footed. And Florenzi was Milan's backup RB. Calabria is their starting RB and captain
I think this holds true for WC roster as well. You have 16 definates and I agree with all of those but also consider Acosta a definite to make final roster. He has lots of versatility, brings toughness to a team that doesn't have a lot of other players with that mentality, and has the ability to provide great set pieces (although somewhat inconsistantly). I have 9 spots still TBD before WC but most people seem to think it is more like 2 or 3. Do you think 10 spots are up for grabs still? I think spots will mostly be lost by poor club form than won by great club form without an opportunity to have a final camp with cuts. I see September used to drop players from consideration theough bad performances. For instance, if Scally plays like he did in June, he would likely be taken out of consideration but good performances wouldn't necessarily lock a position as he would have to maintain good club form up to the final selection.