Absence Breeds Opportunity: USMNT’s Gold Cup Roster Winners and Losers

Absence Breeds Opportunity: Aaronson Brothers, Alex Freeman Shine, While Sergino Dest, Josh Sargent Miss Out

The 26-man U.S. Men’s National Team roster for this summer’s Gold Cup is now official, and while headlines have largely centered around who won’t be there, the more compelling stories may be found in who actually made the cut. For every Sergiño Dest, Christian Pulisic, and Folarin Balogun absent due to injury or club commitments, there are names like Alex Freeman and Paxten Aaronson seizing their moment.

The running theme here? Absence truly does breed opportunity. With a year to go before the 2026 World Cup kicks off on home soil, this tournament gives Mauricio Pochettino a golden chance to assess his depth. For some players, it may be their final audition; for others, it could be their breakout performance. Here’s a look at the biggest winners and losers of the USMNT’s Gold Cup roster.

WINNER: Brenden and Paxten Aaronson

New Zealand v United States: Men’s Football – Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 1 Absence Breeds

Brenden Aaronson was the first to know Paxten would be joining him in camp. Sitting side-by-side when the call came through, the moment was undoubtedly special. Not only is it a huge opportunity for the younger Aaronson to make his senior tournament debut, but it marks the second time in USMNT history that brothers could share the pitch in a competitive match – the last being the Murphys in 1957.

But sentiment aside, this is business. Brenden, omitted from the recent Nations League squad, is out to prove his worth in an increasingly crowded midfield. Paxten, coming off a breakout season with FC Utrecht, is also fighting for a long-term spot. The twist? They might be competing with each other as much as with the rest of the squad.

LOSER: Sergiño Dest and Folarin Balogun

Folarin Balogun USMNT Copa America Absence Breeds

Two of the most exciting names in the U.S. player pool won’t be at the Gold Cup, and both were originally slated to be. Balogun’s persistent ankle issues and Dest’s cautious return from an ACL injury have kept them out.

Dest, arguably the most creative fullback in the pool, would have thrived under Pochettino’s aggressive wing play. Balogun, fresh off a rollercoaster season at Monaco, needed this summer to reboot his form. Instead, both miss out on critical integration time with the new coach and chemistry-building ahead of next year’s World Cup.

WINNER: Alex Freeman

Alex Freeman Orlando City 2025

With Dest ruled out, the right-back slot suddenly opened up. In steps Alex Freeman, who’s been making waves at Orlando City with his attacking flair and raw athleticism.

Freeman might not be a household name yet, but he’s poised to play serious minutes at this Gold Cup. His only competition for the position is Nathan Harriel, a late injury replacement. This summer could be Freeman’s leap from MLS standout to international mainstay.

LOSER: Zack Steffen and Patrick Schulte

Monterrey v Columbus Crew – Concacaf Champions Cup 2024

Goalkeeper battles are often about timing, and for Steffen and Schulte, the clock stopped ticking at the worst moment. With Matt Turner short on club minutes, this tournament could’ve been an open battle for the No. 1 shirt. Instead, Steffen and Schulte were both ruled out.

While Chris Brady and Matt Freese could still make noise, the big winner here is Turner, who will have the stage largely to himself. Unless he falters significantly, this Gold Cup could lock him in as the U.S. No. 1 for the foreseeable future.

WINNER: John Tolkin

Holstein Kiel v VfL Bochum 1848 – Bundesliga

Left-back isn’t quite as open a position as right-back with Antonee Robinson the undisputed starter. But behind him? That’s a race.

John Tolkin has had an impressive stretch since joining Holstein Kiel, even if the club’s season ended in relegation. His inclusion after Dest’s withdrawal signals that Pochettino sees something valuable. Perhaps not as a direct replacement, but as a versatile fullback who can slot in on the opposite side or in a wing-back role.

Tolkin’s style – tenacious, high-energy, and technical – could be exactly what the U.S. needs in games where speed and stamina are paramount.

LOSER: Josh Sargent

Holstein Kiel v VfL Bochum 1848 – Bundesliga

The writing was on the wall after Pochettino’s blunt explanation: “It is a football decision.” That’s never an easy thing to hear.

Despite scoring 15 goals for Norwich in the Championship, Sargent was left off in favor of newer or younger faces like Patrick Agyemang, Damion Downs, and Brian White. Haji Wright’s inclusion, after a similar Championship season, only rubs salt in the wound.

Sargent’s record with the USMNT hasn’t helped him either – he hasn’t scored for the national team since 2019, and recent performances haven’t moved the needle. If he’s going to make the 2026 World Cup squad, the fall international window may be his final runway.

A Testing Ground for Pochettino

More than anything, this Gold Cup is Pochettino’s lab. With marquee names missing, he’s free to experiment with younger players and fringe options.

The midfield, for instance, will be watched closely. Will the Aaronsons take turns as creators? Can someone like Gianluca Busio or Tanner Tessmann emerge as a surprise pick?

Up top, Downs is raw but exciting. If he hits the ground running, it could change the striker depth chart in a hurry. And in defense, Freeman and Tolkin have the stage to themselves. One good tournament could shift their national team trajectory dramatically.

Conclusion

The USMNT Gold Cup roster tells us plenty about where things stand – not just in terms of depth, but also in terms of how Pochettino evaluates talent and potential. Some of the absences are unfortunate, but they open the door for new narratives, new stars, and possibly, a new core as the countdown to 2026 begins.

This summer, it’s not just about lifting the trophy. It’s about who steps up and makes the most of the opportunity.

Only time will tell which of these names becomes a staple and which are just summer stand-ins. But one thing is clear: the Gold Cup is far from meaningless. For many, it could be career-defining.