The USMNT's post-World Cup rebuild is gathering real momentum, and a 4-1 friendly win over Peru gave Mauricio Pochettino the most encouraging evidence yet that his youth-driven project has genuine depth. Eleven players made their debuts in Orlando, and it was the teenagers who stood out most. Justin Ellis scored inside four minutes in front of his home crowd, 18-year-old Julian Hall added a third with a composed finish, and 17-year-old Mathis Albert drew a penalty shortly after coming on. Cavan Sullivan, the 16-year-old who became the second-youngest player to start for the United States, played 62 minutes with enough confidence to suggest he belongs at this level, even if the marquee moment did not arrive.

The result reinforces the direction Pochettino has set since signing a new four-year contract through 2030, with the Argentine committed to building a squad around hungry, committed players. That philosophy was on display earlier in the window when Pochettino responded to Noahkai Banks choosing Germany over the USMNT by stating he only wants players with no doubt about representing the badge.

Attention now turns to a second friendly against Chile on September 29, with La Roja arriving in poor form after winning just one of their last five matches. For Pochettino, it is another chance to rotate his squad and sharpen the competition for places before the window closes.