USMNT kicks off 2030 World Cup cycle with international friendly vs Peru at Orlando’s Inter.co Stadium

The United States men’s national team opens its 2030 FIFA World Cup cycle on Saturday with an international friendly against Peru at Orlando City’s Inter.co Stadium, as part of an expanded September/October international window. The USMNT will play four matches during the stretch, with additional home games scheduled against Chile on Sept. 29, Mexico on Oct. 3, and Canada on Oct. 6.

For the start of the new cycle, head coach Mauricio Pochettino has called up a 28-man squad with a significant presence from Major League Soccer. According to the league’s report, 13 MLS players earned call-ups, including eight players who are age 21 or younger and are attending their first senior USMNT camp.

The youth contingent is headlined by 16-year-old Philadelphia Union homegrown prospect Cavan Sullivan. The league notes Sullivan’s production in MLS this season, along with other young players including Philadelphia center back Neil Pierre (18), Red Bull New York midfielder Adri Mehmeti (17), Red Bull New York forward Julian Hall (18), New England Revolution winger Peyton Miller (18), and Orlando City forward Justin Ellis (19).

In addition to the emerging group, several established players based in Europe are included, including Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest, Antonee Robinson, Gio Reyna and Yunus Musah. The league also reports that veterans Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Folarin Balogun are not part of the camp, with Pochettino using the window to evaluate new players.

Peru enters the match with a new leadership focus after missing out on the 2026 World Cup. The report says former Brazil manager Mano Menezes is leading La Bicolor into the 2030 cycle, with Orlando City midfielder Wilder Cartagena the only current MLS player on Peru’s roster and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese returning to Inter.co Stadium after six seasons with Orlando City.

Written by Vancouver Television Sports Desk