Pochettino calls up Pulisic and Balogun for Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti

After the World Cup break, Mauricio Pochettino is bringing his group back together, and he's doing it with two names who had fallen off the radar in recent friendlies. Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun are back on the United States roster, alongside Weston McKennie, as the team gears up for the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Haiti.

The series will be played over two legs. The first match is set for November 14 at Nu Stadium in Miami, and three days later, on November 17, the return leg shifts to TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. This marks the team's first official competition since its run at the 2026 World Cup.

Pochettino didn't mince words when discussing what lies ahead. He's faced this opponent before and knows Concacaf doesn't hand out favors anymore.

It's going to be tough against Haiti because we already played them at the Gold Cup. Remember, that was a really difficult game. I think every Concacaf team is improving a lot. They're getting better and better and better.Mauricio Pochettino

The Argentine coach went further, explaining why he believes the region has taken a step up in quality: "I think that's because there are good coaches everywhere, good players, the facilities and the tools to improve and become more professional. I think that's going to make it tough. It's going to be hard because we know the physicality and the quality. It's important to show respect because I think these are going to be two difficult games."

Balogun's return and managing the goal-scoring load

Speaking about the Monaco forward, who had been left out of the September and October friendlies, Pochettino was direct: it's time for him to find his rhythm again after a tough summer. "I think with Balogun it's a great opportunity to keep helping him develop after a difficult summer, after the World Cup," the coach said.

He also explained why he left out Ricardo Pepi despite Pepi having gotten recent minutes: the idea is for him to keep training and build up his match sharpness, while the pairing of Justin Ellis and Julian Hall, both "one hundred percent" physically, round out the attack alongside Balogun. "That combination of Balogun, Ellis and Hall is perfect. I'm happy to see Balogun back, because I think after the World Cup we have the chance to see him, and it's a great opportunity for him to keep building his confidence," he added.

The roster also has a special spot for Gio Reyna, one of 10 players called up who already know what it's like to win a Nations League title, alongside Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson. Pochettino highlighted the attacking midfielder's progress: "When he wasn't getting regular minutes, he was still important for us, but now I think he's building his confidence and his fitness, and over time that's important for a player like Gio. We're very happy, and in the last call-up he was incredible. It was fantastic, and I think with that continuity he can keep growing and growing."

Among the new additions are first-time call-ups for defender Reed Baker-Whiting and midfielder Santiago Castaneda, while 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan remains part of the group.

Pochettino will now try to lead the US squad toward its fourth Concacaf Nations League title, following a window of friendlies in which the team reeled off four straight wins against Mexico, Peru, Chile and Canada.

The head-to-head history between the two sides also favors the Americans: the teams have met 19 times since 1954, with the United States holding an 8-6-5 record in wins, losses and draws. The US hasn't lost to Haiti since November 5, 1973, in Port-au-Prince.

With hopes of starting this new cycle on the right foot, Pochettino summed up the group's goal before heading to Miami.

We're excited to bring this group together at the start of our journey in this important competition. These players have earned the chance to compete and help achieve our main goal, which is to win and advance in the tournament.Mauricio Pochettino