USMNT roster for October friendlies: Mauricio Pochettino to debut as USA men's soccer coach vs. Panama, Mexico

Finally, after a lengthy wait, Mauricio Pochettino is ready to make his debut as USMNT head coach this month as the U.S. men's soccer team meets Panama and Mexico in a pair of international friendlies.

As the United States steams towards hosting duties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a new man is in charge as the former Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham boss takes the reins.

There are a host of injuries to contend with, while a number of other USMNT regulars deal with bouts of poor form, so Pochettino will have to dig deep into the player pool right off the bat. Though it's frustrating that a few key figures won't be able to get going under the new coach just yet, it also will be a chance for fringe players to make an early impression.

The Sporting News looks through who has been called in for the pair of important matches as the USMNT has precious little time to prepare for the upcoming major competition on home soil.

MORE: Full schedule and list of results for USMNT in 2024 calendar year

USMNT roster for October friendlies: List of players called for U.S. men's soccer games vs. Panama, Mexico

Twenty-six players have been called in to the USMNT roster for the October friendlies against Panama and Mexico in Mauricio Pochettino's first roster.

Folarin Balogun, Johnny Cardoso and Tim Weah were withdrawn due to injuries, the USMNT announced Sunday. Tanner Tessmann, Brandon Vazquez and Alex Zendejas will step in to replace the trio.

After the 2-0 victory over Panama, goalscorer Ricardo Pepi, Marlon Fossey, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic and Zack Steffen all returned to their clubs.

Below is the roster announced by U.S. Soccer.

Who is missing from USMNT October roster?

Three key players are missing for the USMNT in October because of injury. Sergino Dest continues to recover from his ACL tear just before the summer, and Tyler Adams is still down with a back issue as his Bournemouth tenure remains beset by fitness problems. Bournemouth believe Adams will return to training during the international break, but he will be unavailable for USMNT duty. Chris Richards also cropped up with a hamstring injury at a terrible time, just days before the roster release, and will be absent "for a few weeks," meaning he misses out here.

It was unclear whether Tim Weah will be fit for duty, but he has withdrawn from the squad, not quite ready to return from a hamstring injury suffered in the Juventus season opener. Gio Reyna picked up an injury in training last international break and does not make the side, Cameron Carter-Vickers is not fit after picking up a recent knock, and the same is true for Luca de la Torre who was available for the September window but hasn't played a single minute for Celta Vigo this season because of an ankle injury.

Left-back star Antonee Robinson was left off the September international roster for load-management purposes but returns here for Pochettino's debut, as does Weston McKennie, having been cast aside in September by interim Mikey Varas but since re-emerging as an every-match regular for Juventus under new boss Thiago Motta.

Miles Robinson is brought back into the fold after also being dropped in September for performance-related reasons. Barcelona youth product Diego Kochan earned his first international call-up in September but will not be available to showcase his talents to the new coach as the teenager has picked up a muscle injury since that time.

How to watch USMNT vs. Panama, Mexico in October friendlies

USA vs. Panama

• Date: Saturday, Oct. 12
• Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
• TV channel: TNT
• Streaming: Sling, Max

USA vs. Mexico

• Date: Tuesday, Oct. 15
• Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT
• TV channel: TNT
• Streaming: Sling, Max

U.S. Soccer has a rights deal with Turner Sports for friendly matches. As such, the matches against Panama and Mexico will be televised on TNT, with streaming available on Turner's dedicated platform Max as well as on Sling.