FIFA’s November international window can be an awkward moment for both clubs and national teams.

Many countries in Europe are wading into busy stretches of the calendar packed with league, cup and continental competition. In North America, the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are in full swing and LIGA MX’s Apertura season is fast approaching its liguilla, or playoffs stage.

The reality that all this would inevitably affect Mauricio Pochettino’s selections for the US men’s national team ’s camp is “common sense,” the Argentine told reporters after he and his staff unveiled the roster for upcoming friendlies vs. Paraguay (at Subaru Park, home of the Philadelphia Union , on Nov. 15) and Uruguay (Nov. 18 at Tampa Bay’s Raymond James Stadium).

Balancing act

It’s why a few familiar faces, l

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