International windows have a habit of telling you very little. Four friendly wins against obliging opposition, a couple of tidy goals clipped across social media, and then everyone disperses back to their clubs having learned almost nothing of real substance. The USMNT's October window was a different animal entirely.

Mauricio Pochettino's side won all four matches and rattled in 12 goals across the window, and while results matter less than performances in this context, the manner in which the Americans played suggested something is genuinely shifting beneath the surface.

Cavan Sullivan: The Hype Is Warranted

The 17-year-old arrived with expectation swirling around him and, rather than wilt under it, he made the whole conversation feel very reasonable indeed. Sullivan's performance against Mexico was the window's standout individual moment — a display full of directness, combination play and a willingness to try things that even more experienced players would shy away from. He ran at defenders with urgency and that rare quality of just having a go, a trait that has long been valued in American football but has occasionally gone missing from the senior squad. Nobody is crowning him yet, and nor should they be, but there is enough here to suggest the curiosity is entirely justified.

New Faces Making Their Case

Goalkeeper Diego Kochen was another revelation. While others between the sticks struggled to stamp their authority, Kochen's composure on his debut — and then in a 3-0 win over Mexico — spoke of a player shaped by a serious footballing education. His command of the penalty area and his comfort in possession, something his defenders reportedly praised explicitly, marks him out as a genuine contender for the long term.

Sebastian Berhalter, meanwhile, demonstrated that being a useful squad player during the World Cup has not dimmed his qualities. His ability to play through the lines and, crucially, his delivery from set pieces addresses something that has frustrated American fans for years. Precise, reliable delivery from corners and indirect free kicks is an underrated currency in international football, and Berhalter appears to possess it in abundance.

Striker Julian Hall added another dimension. Most American forwards are discussed in terms of their physical profile, their speed or their strength. Hall's game is built differently — on awareness, movement and positioning that create opportunities rather than demand them. He still has work to do, and Folarin Balogun remains the clear first-choice striker, but Hall's window will have earned him serious consideration going forward.

The Pulisic Situation Refuses to Stay Quiet

The most talked-about absence from Pochettino's squad was Christian Pulisic, and the manner in which the manager handled it told its own story. When pressed on why the AC Milan attacker was not involved, Pochettino declined to offer any explanation, stating he would not comment on individual exclusions. Fair enough — until, a few moments later, he discussed at length why Folarin Balogun had been left out, including confirming he had spoken with the player directly.

Pochettino has also spoken publicly about what he demands from his senior players: commitment to the badge, an eagerness to be involved, no turning down call-ups. He did not attach any of that to Pulisic's name. He did not need to. The market of interpretation was doing enough work on its own.

Whether Pulisic's absence is tactical, political or a matter of fitness management following his World Cup injury — or some combination of all three — the ambiguity itself has become the story. For a player of his standing, that is an uncomfortable place to be.

A Window With Real Substance

There is always a temptation to over-read a positive international window, particularly with a home World Cup looming on the horizon and national optimism in plentiful supply. But some windows carry weight, and this one feels like it belongs in that category. Young players announced themselves, questions around the goalkeeping position took a new shape, and the tactical identity Pochettino is trying to build became a little clearer.

Whether it holds when the stakes rise is a separate conversation. For now, though, there is genuine cause for encouragement in the American camp.

FAQs

Frequently asked

How many goals did the USMNT score in the October 2026 international window?
The United States scored 12 goals across four matches during the October 2026 international window, winning all four games.
Why was Christian Pulisic left out of the USMNT squad?
Mauricio Pochettino declined to explain Pulisic's absence publicly. Reasons cited elsewhere included the need to assess younger players and Pulisic's recent recovery from the leg injury that cut short his World Cup.
Who is Cavan Sullivan and why is he attracting attention?
Cavan Sullivan is a 17-year-old American midfielder who impressed during the October 2026 international window, particularly against Mexico, with his directness, combination play and willingness to take players on.