The US M N T’s January camp has been a consistent training ground for domestic entomology, and This year, under The guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, it holds even more significance as players compete for their rights to participate in The last two official tournaments before The 2026 FI F AW orld Cup. 24 players were invited to camp, With 23 of them hailing from different countries. ML S. Rosters, this is a chance to build depth, identify emerging talent, and create unity as the team approaches hosting the world’s largest soccer event.
The highlights consist of three players each from the same team. Columbus Crew SC. And. CFM ontreal. The emphasis is on clubs that have cultivated and showcased top-notch American talent. These games are crucial for players to establish their ability to perform at their best while watching the US M N T win on home soil.
ML SF oundations’ Columbus Crew and CFM ontr é al teams are leading the Way.
Columbus Crew Call-Ups.
•. Patrick Schulte. At the age of 23, Schulte has never been intimidated by a national team, having represented the United States At the 2024 Paris Olympics and being called up for his fifth senior team. By being a reliable starter in the 2024 ML S season, Schulte established himself as one of the league’s top young goalkeepers. His ability to stop shots and stay composed when faced with pressure will prove crucial for the US M N T’ future goalkeeping depth.
•. DeJuan Jones. Having been signed by Columbus in the midseason, Jones brings with them eight senior calibers and versatile skills that make him a versatile defender on both sides of the ball.
•. Max Arfsten. A first-time call-up at any level, Arfsten was A standout player for Columbus in 2024, starting 22 regular season games as the team’s top defensive player. After being chosen in the first round of the ML SS uperDraft, he quickly gained momentum and demonstrated his versatility as a wide midfielder and wing-back. Arfsten’s unwavering work ethic and ability to handle one-on-one situations make him an intriguing contender for the US M N T.
CFM ontr é al Call-Ups.
•. George Campbell. Campbell’s promising career in youth football results in him receiving his first senior team call-up At the age of 23. In ML S, He made his presence felt as a strong defender at CFM ontr é al, where his agility and aerial prowess were the highlight in 2024. With his ball control and game-reading prowess, Campbell is a strong contender for minutes in Pochettino’s system.
•. Jalen Neal. The national team has welcomed Neal back, thanks to his impressive performance in the 2023 Gold Cup. Despite His youth and senior status, Neal has always been a highly capable player who contributes to the team’s defensive performance.
•. Caden Clark. Clark, who has been a top performer in youth competitions and helped the team win the 2022 Concacaf U20 Championship, is now poised to make his long-awaited senior debut. Despite facing challenges in recent years, he remains a highly regarded creative talent who thrives in tight spaces. Clark’s ability to see beyond the surface and capitalize on crucial scoring opportunities makes him a captivating candidate for this camp.
An eclectic Mix of Veterans and Rising Stars.
A combination of established players and emerging talents, The roster is a blend of experience and untapped potential. With 66 caps, Tim Ream from Charlotte FC is the top-performing player in the group and has led the US M N T under Pochettino.
The opposite extreme of the spectrum includes Patrick Agyemang and Brian Guti é rrez, who both received their first US M N T call-u Psalms8 Indiana Vassilev (829 ZX -385Street8).
Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), The current ML SY oung Player of The Year, is also on The roster. Luna’s composure and midfield vision will be a key factor in the tactical identity of the US M N T under Pochettino.
The Curious Case of Matko Miljevic.
Matko Miljevic, who has been absent from the team for a number of turbulent club seasons, is possibly the most captivating player on the field. He’s got talent, but his career has been controversial. Miljevic’s termination was mainly due to his participation in an amateur team under an assumed name during his contract with CFM ontr é al, which is of interest. Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina, where Pochettino played His first season, also saw him leave due to reported disciplinary issues.
Miljevic’s technical proficiency and creative abilities have given him another opportunity, Despite the challenges he has faced. He can use This camp as a chance to reset his career trajectory under Pochettino’s guidance.
The Testing ground has been set for Venezuela and Costa Rica.
The US M N T’s friendly match against Venezuela is The first time since 2019 when The Vinotinto won 3-0. With a quarterfinal appearance in the Copa Am é rica and draws against Brazil and Argentina in World Cup qualifying, Venezuela’s journey begins with an impressive 2024 result.
Costa Rica, a long-standing rival with an almost-everywhere record of near-even all-time record for runs, will face stern competition from Pochettino in The second match.
Positioning maneuvers to monitor.
Goalkeepers.
Schulte is facing stiff competition from Drake Callender (Inter Miami) and Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids). Steffen has the potential to outperform him, but Schulte’s Olympic experience shouldn’t be overlooked.
Center-Backs.
The combination of Zimmerman, Robinson, Neal, and Campbell will result in a close race for the starting lineup. Neal has a greater chance of success than Campbell, who has six senior caps, while still maintaining his position as the top player in the league.
Midfield Creativity.
The new US M N T playmakers are Luna and Clark. Their ability to connect midfield and attack will be crucial, particularly against defensively strong teams like Venezuela.
Forward Depth.
While Ferreira is still the top scorer, other players like Agyemang and Vassilev can make a significant impact with their strong displays.
Pochettino’s Vision: Building Toward 2026.
The national team setup has traditionally been a source of inspiration for players to join The camp, and this year’s squad follows suit. Columbus Crew and CFM ontr é al have three players who are all significant contributors to the US M N T pipeline.
These players have the opportunity to define their roles As Pochettino shapes the team’s identity for the 2026 FI F AW orld Cup. Their determination, technical proficiency, and readiness to compete at The highest level will be tested in The friendly matches against Venezuela and Costa Rica.
Some may view this camp as the commencement of lengthy and distinguished international careers. For some, it’s a chance to make an impression. Regardless, the path to 2026 commences from here.
Related.
Who are the top 10 US M N T P layers ever?.
Some of the greatest soccer players in history have worn the US M N T jersey many times.