Mauricio Pochettino’s first camps as U.S. men’s national team boss have mainly featured the stars of the program, but January’s camp should see a lot of domestically-based players.
The USMNT opens their 2025 schedule with home friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica respectively. While many USMNT stalwarts will continue with their club seasons in Europe, plenty of MLS and Liga MX talents will be in the middle of their offseason.
Pochettino has previously stated that all players will have an opportunity to prove themselves ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, opening the door for many new and familiar faces.
Diego Luna, Duncan McGuire, and Quinn Sullivan are just three players that deserve opportunities this January as they aim to start their new years off on a high note.
Here is a closer look at who deserves a USMNT call up for the January window:
Diego Luna
The 2024 MLS Young Player of the Year, Diego Luna is a live wire on the field.
Luna registered eight goals and 12 assists for Real Salt Lake last season, finishing second on the squad in goal contributions. A former USYNT player, Luna was expected to be part of the Olympic roster last summer, but was not included after all.
Luna is also eligible to represent Mexico on the international stage, so a January call-up would be a key positive in hopefully keeping him in the USMNT plans.
Duncan McGuire
Duncan McGuire has started his life in MLS on the right foot.
McGuire, a former Mac Hermann trophy winner, has registered double-digit goals for Orlando City in each of his first two seasons. He’s tallied 23 goals in 64 MLS appearances for the Lions, becoming a rising talent for the club.
After previously being linked with a potential move to England, McGuire for now has remained in the United States ahead of the 2025 season. The 23-year-old could boost himself into the No. 9 picture.
Djordje Mihailovic
Djordje Mihailovic might be 26-years-old, but the attacking midfielder still remains an option for the USMNT.
Mihailovic registered double-digit goals (11) and assists (14) for the first time of his career. After joining the Colorado Rapids from Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, Mihailovic got back to playing regularly and making an impact in the attacking third.
His playmaking abilities could be of use in 2025.
Quinn Sullivan
Fresh off of his best MLS season yet, 20-year-old Quinn Sullivan should earn a USMNT chance in January.
Sullivan scored five goals and registered 11 assists for the Philadelphia Union, finishing the season as one of the club’s bright performers. A former USYNT player, Sullivan can play a number of different roles including as a winger, midfielder, and forward.
He would become the latest Union academy player to earn his USMNT debut.
Chris Brady
The USMNT’s goalkeeping corps features plenty of options, including Chicago Fire shot-stopper Chris Brady.
A former USYNT player, Brady is coming off back-to-back 30+ appearance seasons for the Fire, despite the club’s struggles. At only 20-years-old, Brady still has a bright future ahead of him and now has the chance to work with former USMNT boss, Gregg Berhalter.
Sam Vines
Similar to Djordje Mihailovic’s situation, Sam Vines also enjoyed a productive return to MLS.
Vines, 25, featured in 29 MLS matches for the Rapids last season, becoming a consistent starter under Chris Armas. The USMNT left back has been out of the international picture for a while, but could be an option for the No. 2 role behind Antonee Robinson.
Nate Harriel
Nate Harriel is one of several right back options for 2025.
Harriel set a career-high in appearances last season (29), beating out Olivier Mbaizo for the Union’s No. 1 right back job. A fast runner and strong defender, Harriel was part of the U.S. Olympic roster last summer.
Cade Cowell
A productive Liga MX Apertura campaign should boost Cade Cowell into the USMNT picture again.
Cowell scored eight goals in all competitions for Chivas de Guadalajara, taking another major step forward in his development. Unlike other players on this list, Cowell has senior USMNT experience before, which could give him a leg up over others.
Niko Tsakiris
A rising talent for the San Jose Earthquakes, 19-year-old Niko Tsakiris could earn a senior call up next month.
Tsakiris made 25 appearances for the Quakes in MLS play last season, registering one assist. A creative midfielder with a strong engine, Tsakiris could follow in the footsteps of Cade Cowell, who excelled with San Jose before moving to Mexico.
Jack McGlynn
One of the more technical 21-year-old’s in the USMNT player pool, Jack McGlynn deserves another opportunity.
McGlynn scored four goals and added seven assists in MLS play, continuing his rise as a pro player. A former USYNT standout, McGlynn is a smart and intelligent player, possessing one of the best left foots for his age.
McGlynn has already made 100+ appearances for the Union, but might need a bigger move to truly get into Pochettino’s long-term plans.
