USMNT will face Japan, Saudi Arabia in final matches before Men’s World Cup

By Official Florida FC

It’s last call for the flight to Qatar.  

Wednesday, U.S. Soccer announced the 26-man roster for its final tune-up friendlies ahead of the 2022 Men’s World Cup.

Inter Miami fullback DeAndre Yedlin is the only person with Florida ties called up. Yedlin made 11 appearances during World Cup qualifying, including five starts. He is the only person on the 2014 World Cup roster who will likely contribute to the Americans’ 2022 squad.

The USMNT will play Japan on Sept. 23 in Düsseldorf, Germany. On Sept. 27, the USMNT will face Saudi Arabia in Murica, Spain. Both the Japanese and Saudis have qualified for the 2022 Men’s World Cup.

“As we approach the World Cup, this is another opportunity for us to take a step forward as a group,” USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said in a statement. “We have a strong roster and can use these games as a measuring stick against World Cup opponents as we continue to gain valuable experience ahead of going to Qatar.”

Zack Steffen, Tim Weah and Antonee “Jedi” Robinson were not called up due to injuries. All three are expected to recover in time for the World Cup two months from now.

Jordon Pefok may be the most surprising omission. The 23-year-old forward has two goals and three assists for unbeaten Union Berlin in the German Bundesliga.

Here is the full roster:

GOALKEEPERS: Ethan Horvath (Luton Town/ENG; 8/0), Sean Johnson (New York City FC; 10/0), Matt Turner (Arsenal/ENG; 18/0)

DEFENDERS: Reggie Cannon (Boavista/POR; 27/1), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic/SCO; 11/0), Sergiño Dest (AC Milan/ITA; 17/2), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls; 27/3), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 8/0), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 2/0), Sam Vines (Royal Antwerp/BEL; 8/1), DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami; 74/0), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC; 31/3)

MIDFIELDERS: Kellyn Acosta (LAFC; 52/2), Tyler Adams (Leeds United/ENG; 30/1), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo/ESP; 11/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 35/9), Yunus Musah (Valencia/ESP; 19/0), Malik Tillman (Rangers/SCO; 2/0)

FORWARDS: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 22/6), Paul Arriola (FC Dallas; 47/10), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas; 13/7), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders; 48/11), Ricardo Pepi (Groningen/NED; 11/3), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea/ENG; 51/21), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 12/4), Josh Sargent (Norwich City/ENG; 19/3)