When Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino announced his USMNT squad for this summer’s 2025 Gold Cup, the Argentine’s selections caused a stir, with critics suggesting that the roster’s overall lack of experience was a major gamble.
Pochettino included 10 players aged 23 or under in his 26-man panel, which featured seven uncapped internationals, and only 12 of the 26 inclusions had collected ten or more caps.
The former Tottenham manager’s risky selection choices have been rewarded so far, with the USA cruising to the top spot in Group D following a perfect return of three wins from three games.
Performances stateside have been sharp, sparking excitement about the team’s overall prospects for the competition.
The USA had been priced as dark horses in the pre-tournament outright markets; however, their odds have been closing, with many now believing that the Stars and Stripes have a genuine shot at landing silverware.
At the Gold Cup, a clutch of Pochettino’s young players have captured attention with their impressive performances. We’ve picked five of the United States’ breakthrough stars who have been generating the biggest buzz.
Max Arfsten (USA)
An impressive 18 players in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad took part in the US Soccer Development Academy, with 14 coming through the MLS Academy ranks, and flying fullback Max Arfsten looks like he will be one of the top graduates.
Arfsten has been involved in the USA national team setup since January. However, the 24-year-old looked confident mixing with more experienced teammates and opponents at the Gold Cup.
The defender produced a Man of the Match performance while claiming two assists in the USA’s thumping 5-0 matchday one triumph over Trinidad & Tobago on June 15th and was among the team’s star turns four days later against Saudi Arabia.
Arfsten, who is currently tied to MLS side Columbus Crew, has been generating interest in Europe and could earn a big-money move following his Gold Cup efforts.
Malik Tillman (USA)
Malik Tillman is a player with an aristocratic football pedigree, having graduated from the famed Bayern Munich academy. The attacking midfielder has been showcasing this class at the Gold Cup.
Tillman, who starred for Dutch giants PSV during the club’s run to the Eredivisie title last season, has been key for the USA at this summer’s Gold Cup, scoring three times in as many appearances to power the USMNT’s push for top spot in Group D.
The 23-year-old was the subject of intense transfer speculation in gossip columns in the lead up to the Gold Cup, though German giants Bayer Leverkusen, who had been favourites to sign Tillman in transfer market specials on popular betting sites, managed to secure his services ahead of other suitors.
Jack McGlynn
New York native Jack McGlynn has been involved with the USA national team setup since 2019, first appearing for the U16s before advancing through the ranks and earning a senior bow against Slovenia in January 2024.
However, this summer, McGlynn has blossomed amid the high-profile surroundings of the Gold Cup. The 21-year-old excelled in the USA’s Group D opener against Trinidad & Tobago, lodging an assist from the right flank. His running and clever use of space made him just as influential in the subsequent victory over Saudi Arabia.
McGlynn has attracted attention for the Houston Dynamo this year, having moved to the Texan club in February in the first cash-for-homegrown player trade in MLS history.
Alex Freeman
Defender Alex Freeman, who doesn’t turn 21 until August, was the youngest player on the US national team roster for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, though the fledgling performer has been asked to shoulder plenty of responsibility by Mauricio Pochettino.
Son of 1997 NFL Super Bowl-winning star, Antonio Freeman, Alex comes from good stock, and his athleticism has been noticeable at the Gold Cup, where he started all three of the USA’s fixtures at right back.
The 6’3” fullback has been marauding down the right flank for Orlando City in the MLS this year, but only entered the international stage in May. Often compared to Real Madrid superstar Trent Alexander-Arnold, Freeman should be a first-team staple for the USA for the next decade.
Diego Luna
Born in Sunnyvale, California, diminutive attacking midfielder Diego Luna shone at the Gold Cup, knitting play and directing tempo during attacking phases for the USMNT in typically stylish fashion.
21-year-old Luna has been tearing up the MLS for Real Salt Lake in 2025, supplying 10 goal contributions (8G, 2A) in 16 starts, earning admiring glances from some European big hitters, such as England’s Everton.
Luna’s creativity was front and center against Trinidad & Tobago when he assisted two of the USA’s five goals. Although he cooled off a little against Saudi Arabia and Haiti on matchdays two and three, the schemer is expected to step things up again in the Gold Cup’s knockout phase.
