The football world rarely stands still, and this week is no exception. As the dust settles on the thrilling UEFA Champions League qualification rounds, attention also sharply pivots to the United States Men`s National Team (USMNT). With less than 300 days until the monumental 2026 World Cup on home soil, head coach Gregg Berhalter is orchestrating a calculated experiment, casting a wider net for talent in a move he describes as the “last opportunity” to introduce fresh faces into the squad.
USMNT`s Player Pool Expansion: A Calculated Gamble for 2026
The upcoming international break in September promises a fascinating glimpse into the USMNT`s strategic evolution. Coach Berhalter has unveiled a roster for friendlies against South Korea and Japan that blends established stars with a significant contingent of lesser-known players. This isn`t merely squad rotation; it`s a deliberate expansion of the player pool, a testament to the comprehensive assessment Berhalter`s staff undertakes, constantly evaluating a roster of 65 potential candidates.
The Return of the Prodigal Son (and Others)
Christian Pulisic, affectionately known as `Captain America,` makes his much-anticipated return to the national team. His absence from the summer`s Concacaf Gold Cup had sparked its share of chatter, but Berhalter has unequivocally declared that chapter “behind us,” emphasizing unity and focus on the monumental task ahead. Pulisic`s return signals a reintegration of key experience, while Sergino Dest is also set to don the USMNT jersey again, having fully recovered from a long-term ACL injury. Josh Sargent, another familiar face, is back in the fold after a previous “football decision” saw him sidelined.
The Omission that Raised Eyebrows: Weston McKennie
Perhaps the most talked-about absence is that of midfield stalwart Weston McKennie. While a regular fixture for the USMNT, McKennie`s omission from this particular camp is presented by Berhalter not as a disciplinary measure, but as an inherent part of the player pool expansion project. It`s a clear signal: no spot is guaranteed, and every player`s performance is under constant scrutiny. This approach allows Berhalter to assess new combinations and grant crucial minutes to those who might otherwise be overshadowed.
Gregg Berhalter on player assessment: “For me, all the players are important. The individual situations are important, and to analyze and make the decisions and have a plan for them. We have a roster of 65 players that we`re going to be assessing every week and it`s for them to perform and for us to select the best players to make a roster with a good balance. We don`t have much time because we started last October and it has been less than one year and I think for us it`s important to get a chance to work with the players because we know what some players can provide and now is a chance for different players like Sebastian Berhalter or Luca de la Torre.”
The squad for the upcoming friendlies includes a blend of seasoned internationals and potential debutants:
- Goalkeepers: Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Jonathan Klinsmann (Cesena)
- Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Noahkai Banks (FC Augsburg), Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps), Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Nathan Harriel (Philadelphia Union), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace)
- Midfielders: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo), Sean Zawadzki (Columbus Crew)
- Forwards: Damion Downs (Southampton), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Josh Sargent (Norwich City), Tim Weah (Marseille), Alex Zendejas (Club America)
The USMNT will convene in New Jersey next week for their friendly against South Korea on September 6, followed by a clash with Japan three days later in Columbus.
European Dreams Realized: The Champions League Qualifiers Conclude
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the final pieces of the UEFA Champions League group stage puzzle have fallen into place. The qualification rounds, often a crucible of high drama and unexpected narratives, concluded with several compelling storylines.
Underdogs Bite Back: Kairat`s Epic Journey and Other Surprises
Tuesday`s matches delivered a dose of classic European football lore, with three teams making their Champions League debut. Norway`s Bodo/Glimt advanced convincingly, and Cyprus` Pafos FC secured their spot with a dramatic 89th-minute winner. However, the most arduous and inspiring journey belonged to Kazakhstan`s Kairat. Entering the competition in the very first round back in early July, Kairat navigated a grueling path, ultimately overcoming Celtic in a tense penalty shootout after 210 goalless minutes over two legs. Their goalkeeper, Temirlan Anarbekov, became an instant hero with three crucial saves, securing Kairat`s place as only the second Kazakh team ever to reach the Champions League proper.
The final ties for Wednesday`s deciders were set to unfold:
- Ferencvaros vs. Qarabag (Qarabag led 3-1 from the first leg)
- Rangers vs. Club Brugge (Club Brugge led 3-1)
- Fenerbahce vs. Benfica (tied 0-0)
- Basel vs. Copenhagen (tied 1-1)
Mourinho`s Return: A Pragmatic `Special One` in Lisbon
One of the week`s headline acts saw Fenerbahce, managed by the ever-quotable Jose Mourinho, travel to Lisbon to face Benfica. This fixture marked Mourinho`s return to the club where his managerial career briefly began almost exactly 25 years ago. Always one for a dramatic entrance, Mourinho approached the challenge with characteristic pragmatism, acknowledging Benfica`s superior power while never losing sight of his ultimate objective.
Jose Mourinho on his return to Benfica: “This is where it all began. I`ve been back here with Manchester United. I`ve never lost here because my teams were better. My Porto were much better, Manchester United were better; in this case Benfica are a team with a greater power to mine. … Good build-up play, dangerous on the counterattack, with fast players who attack space. They`re a good team. I`m not here to sugarcoat things and put Benfica on a pedestal that they don`t deserve. Right now, my goal is to win.”
The Champions League league phase draw, which will determine the group stage matchups for all qualified teams, including these latest victors, is now eagerly awaited in Monaco, promising new rivalries and potential giant-killings.
Looking Ahead: A Season of High Stakes
From the strategic maneuvering of the USMNT as they chart a course for their home World Cup, to the nail-biting finishes of Champions League qualification, the global football calendar continues its relentless, exhilarating pace. Fans can look forward to a captivating period of both international and club football, filled with the promise of emerging talents, tactical masterclasses, and the sheer unpredictability that makes the beautiful game so utterly compelling.