Winners, Losers & 3 Important Things

The USMNT’s October window marks an important checkpoint for Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT. As he continues to shape his squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup, time is running out to evaluate players and build chemistry.

After a mixed transfer window in September that left fans and media wondering if he was the right man for the job, October’s friendly between Ecuador and Australia proved to calm nerves and restore a little confidence, if only for a moment.

As fans look for signs that the team is improving and progressing, here are the winners, losers & key players in the USMNT’s October window.

USMNT October Window Winners

Folarin Balogun

Folarin Balogun headlines this USMNT roster window.

He scored the equalizer in the 71st minute after a clever sequence involving Malik Tillman and a defensive change in USA vs Ecuador. His performance strengthens his case for leading the US attack in a position no one else has taken.

His movement, pressing and willingness to run behind Ecuador’s back line gave the defense problems all night and was something the US lacked. If he can continue to maintain his health, he will definitely be key to the number 9 role up front.

Malik Tillman

MalikTillman’s assist for Balogun’s goal was a clean, incisive pass that broke Ecuador’s defensive line and was just what the USMNT needed to build the game.

He demonstrated a good understanding of timing and positioning, traits the U.S. will need in its future phases of development. He has also likely secured a role in the USMNT World Cup squad.

Aidan Morris

Aidan Morris showed composure and control in helping stabilize transitions and linking play against Ecuador.

He played as you would expect if you followed his career from Columbus Crew to Middlesbrough.

Constant machinery and maximum effort leaves everything he has on the field. This is clearly something Poch appreciates and is the kind of energy the USMNT may be missing.

But has he done enough to earn a call-up in 2026? Only time will tell.

Cristian Roldan

Another player who has a machine is Cristian Roldan of the Seattle Sounders. He assisted twice in the US vs Australia match, both to Haji Wright, another USMNT October Window winner.

Like Morris, Roldan must be on Poch’s radar to make the team as a player who is unselfish, hardworking, and will give his whole heart to the team.

Haji Wright

Haji Wright started the match vs Australia, and did he take advantage of the situation! He was on fire for his club, Coventry City who played in the Championship in England, and he brought that to the national team.

His movement was superb and his curling left-footed strike after a fine pass from Roldan might have taken him from the sideline to try to be second behind Balogun.

Of course Pepi also targeted that place. What emerges from the striker position in the upcoming transfer window will be very interesting.

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USMNT October Window Losers

Fullback Wing/Back Wing

In this window, the wingers are not a consistent threat and often leave gaps (especially when the wing-backs are pushed forward). Tim Weah, in an unfamiliar follow-up role, had moments but also left space behind him.

He was once a lock starter and made all kinds of waves on the field. Unfortunately, now he looks like a player who can’t do anything. The wide transition needs refinement especially if the 3-back system remains.

Pulisic injury

At a time when the team is looking to build momentum ahead of the final round before the 2026 World Cup, it does not have the best player – Christian Pulisic – in a healthy pool.

Chemistry and performance will play a big role in a tournament like the World Cup, and we have yet to see potentially the strongest US squad on the field together due to injuries.

Big Takeaway

The first important thing is that Balogun produces good results when given the opportunity, which gives hope to the fans. The question of who will take on the role of starting striker is slowly becoming clearer. But we continue to wait to see who will be the No. 2 pick, and Haji Wright makes a strong case.

The US must increase dynamics on the flanks. This position is able to provide creativity in the final third and support the defense. But who is it? Dest, Weah, and Arfsten all have great offensive traits, but that might leave the defense dry.

There was a feeling that the team was building momentum from the last window to the October window. Fans could feel the team’s improvement, and that was the best conclusion to these two matches. Hopefully, the team can continue its journey in November.

Main Photo

Credit: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

Recording Date: 08.09.2025