Tim Howard Questions Weston McKennie’s USMNT Omission

Weston McKennie’s absence from the United States men’s national team (USMNT) squad for the November friendlies has sparked widespread debate, with former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard voicing strong concerns over the decision. As the US prepares for crucial matches against Paraguay and Uruguay, Howard’s outspoken criticism highlights the confusion and disappointment surrounding the Juventus midfielder’s omission.

USMNT’s Surprising Decision: McKennie Left Out Again

The USMNT’s announcement of their November roster surprised fans and experts alike when Weston McKennie’s name was missing. Howard, who served the national team for over a decade, expressed open bewilderment at the move during a recent episode of the Unfiltered soccer podcast. “I’m baffled by this one,” Howard stated. “Weston’s going to be training with a skeleton squad at Juventus during the international break. All the other internationals at his club are gone, so he’s left behind with reserves. That’s not where you impress your manager.”

Howard argued that national team duty remains the best platform for McKennie to showcase his talent, especially as he is considered one of the USMNT’s top performers. “If you want to evaluate me, watch me play a full 180 minutes at the international level, not just train at the club,” Howard added.

Communication Breakdown and Commitment Concerns

The former USMNT star also questioned the communication process between the player, club, and national team staff. Howard wondered whether USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter or Juventus coach Mauricio Pochettino had directly discussed the decision with McKennie. “I’m curious if there was a conversation, and if Poch said, ‘Hey Wes, I’m going to leave you out.’ How was that even accepted by the player?” Howard remarked.

He further suggested that such a situation could indicate deeper issues regarding national team priorities, raising doubts about whether the USMNT remains at the forefront for its top stars outside of the World Cup cycle. “I think the World Cup is the priority for these players; I don’t think the national team is always the priority,” Howard claimed.

Weston McKennie’s Ongoing USMNT Absence Raises Eyebrows

McKennie’s continued absence is particularly notable given his consistent form for Juventus and his status as a key USMNT contributor. According to Howard, McKennie will have appeared in just one national team camp over an entire calendar year if he misses the November friendlies. “That’s crazy,” Howard emphasized. “Probably our top three, certainly our top five best player, hands down has been with the team one time in the calendar year.”

This lack of involvement comes at a time when the USMNT is seeking stability and consistency ahead of major tournaments. The midfielder’s exclusion has only heightened concerns about player availability, with other stars like Chris Richards and Christian Pulisic also missing recent matches due to injuries and club commitments.

Player Availability Challenges for Berhalter and USMNT

The USMNT’s struggles with player availability are not limited to McKennie. As the team prepares to face Paraguay and Uruguay, several key figures are sidelined, forcing Berhalter to rotate his squad and rely on emerging talent. This pattern of absences has disrupted squad cohesion and raised questions about the program’s ability to maintain momentum—an issue that could have long-term implications as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

For McKennie, international breaks would typically provide a prime opportunity to anchor the midfield and reinforce his value to both club and country. Instead, his non-selection leaves him training with a diminished Juventus squad, a scenario Howard sees as counterproductive for both the player and the USMNT.

Internal Perspectives and Team Dynamics

Howard’s candid comments reflect broader concerns about player-manager relationships and the need for transparent communication. If leading talents like McKennie feel disconnected from national team plans, it could affect morale and performance across the squad. As Howard put it, “The national team isn’t a priority for some—it should be, especially for a player of McKennie’s caliber.”

What’s Next for Weston McKennie and the USMNT?

Looking ahead, McKennie’s next chance to join the national team will be in March, meaning nearly a full year without consistent international appearances. For a player of his stature, such a gap is unusual and warrants attention from both coaches and fans. With the USMNT aiming to build a core group for future tournaments, ensuring that star performers remain engaged and available will be critical.

Opinion: USMNT Needs Its Best on the Pitch

In my view, the USMNT’s decision to leave Weston McKennie out of the November friendlies is puzzling. With key fixtures against strong opponents, the national team should prioritize fielding its most talented and experienced players. McKennie’s continued absence not only weakens the squad but also sends a confusing message about the team’s ambitions. Open communication between coaches, clubs, and players is essential if the USMNT hopes to compete at the highest level. For more updates and in-depth coverage, visit for more news.