The United States men's national team defeated Peru 4-1 on Saturday in Orlando, opening a new cycle focused on youth development. Teenagers Justin Ellis and Julian Hall scored, along with Malik Tillman, who converted a penalty.
Cavan Sullivan became the second-youngest player ever to represent the USMNT at age 16. Three teenagers started the match, signaling Pochettino's immediate shift toward younger talent after the team's Round of 16 exit from the World Cup.
Ellis scored the opening goal in his home stadium, set up by Gio Reyna. Peru's Gianluca Lapadula scored following a defensive lapse, but such breakdowns were rare for the young U.S. squad.
Elevn of the 13 uncapped players called into camp earned their first USMNT caps. Brian Schwake and Cole Campbell remain without debuts and could feature in upcoming matches against Chile, Mexico and Canada.
Yunus Musah completed all 38 of his passes. Tillman, a standout at the World Cup, remained involved throughout and scored from the spot.
Pochettino has described this post-2026 World Cup era as a "fresh start," with an expanded player pool receiving opportunities. The manager has expressed concerns that the new four-game FIFA window poses a "big risk" to player welfare.
