The United States men will make their first foray into competitive football since the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they meet Haiti for a pair of matches in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals this November. 

Mauricio Pochettino’s extremely youthful USMNT squad was successful last time it convened back in September and October, winning all four friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada. While that was a big step into the 2030 World Cup cycle, many veterans are expected to return as the U.S. turns back to competitive action.

The aggregate winner of this two-legged quarterfinal will advance to the semifinals, additionally earning qualification in the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

The Sporting News brings you a look at how the USMNT roster for the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal might look once it has been officially unveiled.

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USMNT roster for November 2026 matches vs. Haiti

Pochettino is expected to call around 26 players for the pair of CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal matches against Haiti in November.

The USMNT head coach called in 28 players for the four friendlies in September and October, but that size is likely to be trimmed for this international break with only the standard two matches to navigate instead of the inflated four from the last window.

Below is the predicted roster for the U.S. men’s national team for the coming November international break, which is expected to be announced on Wednesday, November 4.

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Projected USMNT roster for November 2026

* Late addition to the roster as an injury replacement

Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie set for USMNT return

After missing out in the September and October international window, stars Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie are expected to be back in the USMNT fold for the nation’s return to competitive action.

With young stars featuring heavily last international break, giving regulars like Pulisic and McKennie a chance to rest and return to full fitness, Mauricio Pochettino will likely bring those veterans back into the mix for Nations League games.

Last window, Pulisic in particular was struggling with an injury that caused him to miss the offseason and early part of the Serie A campaign, only returning to club action in mid-September and given the international break off. Since returning to Milan, Pulisic has scored three league goals and has been one of the club’s better attacking players, helping them beat rivals Inter Milan in the Derby della Madonnina last weekend.

McKennie was also dealing with a fitness issue early in the season, thus left off the USMNT roster, but like Pulisic has returned strong and been an asset for Juventus in midfield.

Others who could return to the USMNT roster that missed out last window include Max Arfsten, Johnny Cardoso, Tim Weah, Ricardo Pepi, Folarin Balogun, and Jack McGlynn.

It’s believed that Johnny Cardoso is going to be returning to fitness from his hamstring injury this weekend, believed to be available for selection with Atletico Madrid. It’s not clear, however, whether Mauricio Pochettino will give him the opportunity to see time with the USMNT, or whether they will be cautions with his return. Pochettino and the USMNT staff has historically been cautious with players just returning from injury, but it also may be a good opportunity for Cardoso to get minutes and prove his worth.

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Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall likely to return to UMSNT roster

17-year-old sensation Cavan Sullivan earned his first senior call-up in the previous international break, and excelled, as did 18-year-old striker Julian Hall who scored in three of the four games last window.

Another young player who impressed in the previous international break was goalkeeper Diego Kochen, and the 20-year-old could be called in again after he excelled in the team’s biggest game of the last window, the win over Mexico.

Other young players who saw game time in the September and October international break, including Justin Ellis, Admir Mehmedi, Cole Campbell, Mathis Albert, Zavier Gozo, and Neil Pierre, will likely be pushed out by more experienced veterans, but are likely to be considered again in the future as they are brought along slowly. Many of them, including Gozo and Campbell for example, will likely be sent to U-23 camp as they continue preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

The only player known to be struggling with a serious injury is Diego Luna, who has missed multiple months with a meniscus tear in his knee.

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How to watch USMNT matches vs. Haiti in Nations League