The United States open their 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup campaign against Trinidad and Tobago, aiming to establish themselves early as one of the tournament favorites. After falling short in the 2023 edition, the U.S. enter this year’s competition with a renewed focus on reclaiming regional supremacy. However, questions surrounding the availability of key players—most notably Weston McKennie—have sparked concern among fans.
The U.S. will take the field Sunday evening as strong favorites to win their group opener. Historically, they have been one of the most successful teams in Gold Cup history, trailing only Mexico in total titles. Alongside Canada, they are one of only three nations to have lifted the trophy since its rebranding in 1991.
Mexico, meanwhile, enter the tournament with seven Gold Cup titles to their name and will be pushing for an eighth. However, they also face key absences, including players who feature prominently in top European leagues. Among them is Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, a regular starter for both club and country who will miss this year’s competition.
Why is Weston McKennie not playing for the USA?
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino was forced to leave several core players off the squad during roster selection. In addition to the long-expected absence of Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, and Giovanni Reyna are also unavailable. As a result, the Stars and Stripes will be without several of their most experienced and technically gifted contributors.
Weston McKennie #8 of the United States controls the ball against Canada during the first half of a CONCACAF Nations League
McKennie’s absence is directly tied to Juventus’ involvement in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which overlaps with the Gold Cup. The same is true for Timothy Weah, who also plays for the Italian club. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund’s participation in the Club World Cup explains why Gio Reyna will also be missing from the U.S. squad this summer.
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Why is Joel Campbell not playing for Costa Rica at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup?
Other key absences add to concerns
The list of unavailable players doesn’t end there. Christian Pulisic will also sit out the tournament, reportedly due to personal reasons. According to team sources, the decision was made jointly by the player and the coaching staff, allowing the AC Milan winger to rest after a demanding club season in Italy.
Right back Sergiño Dest is another notable omission. He has been sidelined for months after suffering a torn ACL and is not expected to be fit in time for international duty. Given his lack of match fitness and recovery timeline, Dest was not considered for the final squad by the coaching staff.
In a strategic move, Pochettino has also opted to build the roster around domestic talent and rising stars, excluding those playing outside Major League Soccer or top European leagues. As a result, players like Cade Cowell and Alejandro Zendejas were left off the final list, signaling a shift in the U.S. approach to squad development for this tournament.
