We are roughly four months out from the U17 World Cup, and it is time to take a look at what names we could possibly see compete at the tournament. In 2023, the competition featured 21 man squads with three goalkeepers and 18 outfield players, so we will assume it will be the same at this year’s edition. We will go through the best squad in our opinion, best XI, and depth charts with a few players who could fill the void baring an injury or a player not being released.

Assuming that the USYNT take three goalkeepers to the 2025 World Cup here are the names we have chosen to select. Owen Pratt is coming off yet another MLS Next Cup. This makes it two in a row for him personally, and he was one of the best goalkeepers all tournament. Jack Kortkamp has made five appearances in MLS Next Pro this, and even though he has been dropped form the squad recently, he is still one of the top goalkeepers in the age group. Aidan Stokes is probably our most unrealistic choice out of these three. He is the most accustomed goalie on this roster to professional football, but he has also represented Wales and England at this level. It is unclear where his loyalties lie. He also recently picked up an injury in a game for NYRB II, so it is unclear how long he may be out for. As for an alternate, two names come to mind. The first William Lodmell from Sporting CP. He hasn’t been with there USYNT in a long time, but has previously been in camp before. An interesting name to call up to this level would be NY Red Bulls keeper Tobias Szewczyk a 2009 born goalkeeper who has also signed a contract with the NY Red Bulls. He is one of the top keepers in the 2009 class.

Ian James is a composed and confident presence at the back, James has impressed with his ability to read the game and organize the back line. He just made his MLS debut earlier this week. He is a regular with the second team and has been one of the best young defenders in MLS. Christopher Cupps is another young center back who has already made his MLS debut. Cupps has been a leader on this USYNT for a while, and it would be shocking if he is not in the squad. Ramiz Hamouda is One of the most underrated defenders in the age group, Hamouda is a ball-playing center back with composure under pressure. Hamouda made the jump to the USL over a year ago now, and has began to make his impact on the Birmingham Legion squad. Adrian Sanders is the fourth center back in this pool. Sanders has been a bright spot in LAFC’s academy in recent years, and he is a regular in MLS Next Pro.

Gio Villa will more than likely be one of the first names on the team sheet. Villa has been a mainstay in this squad for years now, and it is hard to picture anyone taking his place. Pedro Guimaraes has catapulted himself onto professional stage recently. Guimaraes has clocked over 500 minutes in the USL. He has also even scored his first professional goal. Wes Okoduwa takes our third spot. This is probably the most unlikely inclusion in the entire squad. Okoduwa has already chosen an England camp over a USA camp, but he is not cap tied yet. As for a third option, we believe that Jordan Griffin could be the best to fill that role. From the Philadelphia Union, he has already made his MLS Next Pro debut. He has also already been with the USYNT.

Jude Terry continues to be one of the most well-rounded midfielders in the pool. He brings a strong two-way presence and controls the tempo from deep, frequently featuring for LAFC’s second team in MLS Next Pro. He is probably the most important player on this team. It would be incredibly to replace him. Christiano Oliveria has been a revelation for the Revolution, bringing composure and passing vision to the midfield. He is a regular with the New England Revolution second team, and he’s been a consistent call-up at the youth national level and could take on a larger role in this cycle. Adri Mehmeti is another player like Wes Okoduwa who has never been called up to this age group. The USYNT has to call him up to this age group at some point because he could very well be headed to Albania, and even though he is a year younger he could be a pivotal player for this squad. Cooper Sanchez is a true box-to-box option who does the dirty work while also facilitating transitions — a glue guy every squad needs. He has not gotten professional exposure quite like a lot of these other guys on the squad, but that is not entirely his fault. Maximo Carrizo is one of the most technically gifted players in the pool. Was the youngest to sign to a pro contract with NYCFC he is a creator and another one of the most important players in the pool. Finally, we have Cavan Sullivan. The Philadelphia Union youngster is already signed to a first-team contract and is headed to Manchester City in the years to come. He is widely regarded as one of the best talents in American soccer. Whether it’s ball control, vision, or confidence in tight spaces, Sullivan has it all — and the spotlight is only growing. As for some alternates two names come to mind right away. That being Kellan LeBlanc and Jack Mize. Both could easily end up on the roster, and it would not be too surprising. Mize would fill a more box to box role while LeBlanc plays very similar to the likes of Carrizo and Sullivan.

Nimfasha Berchimas had been tearing it up at Charlotte FC prior to picking up an inury. Electric in 1v1 situations, Berchimas can beat defenders off the dribble and has the kind of flair that turns heads at any level. He’s already made waves with the U.S. U17s at the last World Cup, and his rise isn’t slowing down. IT’s just a question if he will return to this level. Mathis Albert may be the most exciting winger in the pool. Currently with Borussia Dortmund, Albert has developed in one of Europe’s top academies over the past year, and he has added to his speed and creativity. He’s capable of game-changing moments. He is also currently in the states for the Club World Cup. Jamir Johnson is a name quickly gaining traction. A dangerous attacker with quick feet and a good, Johnson has impressed with his consistency and is trending toward a big role in the next U.S. youth cycle. Jamir Johnson was starring at MLS Next Cup for Philadelphia Union, and is now back with their second team. There are a ton of names who could fit the bill as alternatives for this position group. Eric Preston is the first name that comes to mind as he has had a great year for the LA Galaxy. Also Leo Gitau who could also play central attacking mid.

Chase Adams has become one of the top goal scorers in his class. A product of the Columbus Crew academy, Adams is a classic No. 9 with great movement in the box and a natural eye for goal. He was the top goal scorer at the CONCACAF Championships, and he’s led the line for the U.S. at various youth levels and continues to deliver. Julian Hall is another name making serious noise. Already making MLS appearances for the New York Red Bulls, Hall combines physicality, pace, and technical finishing — traits that have him on track to become one of the top forwards in the U.S. youth pool. He can also provide for the team via the wing. Austyn Jones is the most notable omission here. It would not be a shock to anyone if Jones is on the roster. It is very realistic that we see Chase Adams, Julian Hall, and Austyn Jones on the roster.

The 2025 ECNL Playoffs brings together the best youth soccer clubs in the country for a summer-long battle across two premier cities: San Diego, California for the Girls ECNL Playoffs, and Seattle, Washington for the Boys ECNL Playoffs. With hundreds of teams competing across multiple age groups and playoff formats, the event is more than just a tournament. From thrilling group-stage drama to single-elimination heartbreakers, the ECNL playoffs are bound to give us everything.

Date: June 26 – July 2, 2025
Location: Surf Cup Sports Park, San Diego, CA
Teams: 344 total teams (U13–U18/19)

San Diego played host to the Girls ECNL National Playoffs, with 344 teams competing across six age groups. The picturesque Surf Cup Sports Park served as the perfect venue — its expansive layout buzzing with scouts, families, and future stars of the college and professional game.

The playoff structure emphasized consistency, rewarding teams who could handle the mental and physical toll of playing multiple high-stakes games over a few days.

For U13–U17, the top 16 teams in each bracket will meet again at the ECNL Girls National Finals, held July 18–21 in Richmond, VA at West Creek and Striker Park. With titles on the line, expect fast-paced, high-quality games packed with college scouts and even pro eyes.

Date: June 25 – July 1, 2025
Location: 60 Acres Park, Redmond (Seattle), WA
Teams: 336 total teams (U13–U18/19)

Seattle’s 60 Acres Park provided a stunning backdrop for the Boys ECNL Playoffs. With 336 teams in attendance and plenty of rain-or-shine grit, players were tested on both skill and mentality throughout the week.

With stakes high and margins slim, every match was a must-win. Teams like South Carolina Surf (2009) made early statements with strong wins — building on impressive regular seasons. Their 12-2-2 Southeast Conference record translated into playoff poise, positioning them as a team to watch heading into Richmond.

Boys teams advancing from U13–U17 will head to the ECNL National Finals in Richmond, VA, taking place July 17–20 at West Creek and Striker Park. The title matches there will wrap up an intense two-month postseason journey.