The roster for the United States Under-20 Men’s National Team participating in the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina has been officially announced. Raphael Wicky, who has been at the helm of the U20s since 2021, leads the team.
The roster showcases a blend of seasoned players and promising young talents. Goalkeeper Gaga Slonina, defender George Bello, and midfielder Gianluca Busio return from the 2021 U20 World Cup squad. Joining them are several fresh faces, including forward Cade Cowell, who has been performing exceptionally for the San Jose Earthquakes this season.
Placed in Group B alongside Argentina, Saudi Arabia, and Panama, the USA will commence their tournament against Saudi Arabia on May 28.
Here is an in-depth look at the U20 World Cup roster for Team USA:
Goalkeepers:
- Gaga Slonina (Chicago Fire)
- Antonio Carrera (Real Salt Lake)
- Aaron Cervantes (LA Galaxy)
Defenders:
- George Bello (Atlanta United)
- Noah Allen (LA Galaxy)
- Mauricio Cuevas (Club Tijuana)
- Alejandro Gomez (Club Tijuana)
- Kobi Henry (Borussia Dortmund)
- Erik Palmer-Brown (Manchester City)
- Justin Che (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)
Midfielders:
- Gianluca Busio (Sporting Kansas City)
- Paxten Aaronson (Philadelphia Union)
- Alejandro Alvarado (Club Brugge)
- Matko Miljevic (Orlando City SC)
- Caden Clark (New York Red Bulls)
- Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)
- Daniel Edelman (New York Red Bulls)
- Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia Union)
Forwards:
- Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes)
- Jonathan Lewis (Colorado Rapids)
- Efraín Álvarez (LA Galaxy)
- Alejandro Zendejas (Real Sociedad)
Considered among the favorites to win the U20 World Cup, the USA boasts a formidable squad featuring a balanced blend of experience and youthful exuberance. If they can perform up to their potential, they may find themselves hoisting the trophy in Argentina come July.
Here are a few players to keep an eye on in the USA’s U20 World Cup campaign:
- Gaga Slonina: The goalkeeper for the Chicago Fire is heralded as one of the most talented young keepers globally. With his height, athleticism, and lightning-quick reflexes, he will be a crucial figure for the USA in Argentina.
- Cade Cowell: This forward from the San Jose Earthquakes has garnered significant attention as one of the most thrilling young players in the United States. Known for his speed, skill, and exceptional shooting ability, Cowell could prove to be a game-changer for the USA at the U20 World Cup.
- Gianluca Busio: The midfielder representing Sporting Kansas City possesses impressive playmaking abilities and has already earned caps for the senior USMNT. With his dribbling, passing, and chance creation skills, Busio will play a vital role in the USA’s midfield during their campaign in Argentina.
The USA has a favorable chance of clinching victory in the U20 World Cup. Armed with a formidable squad featuring a good mix of experience and youth, if they perform to their full potential, they could very well secure the championship title in Argentina this July.