The United States men's national team enters the post-World Cup period with several unresolved issues clouding their squad picture. A heavy 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the World Cup at Lumen Field last July left real questions about the team's ceiling, and the weeks since have brought fresh complications rather than clarity.

Folarin Balogun remains a central figure in the uncertainty. His deadline-day transfer to Everton collapsed, leaving the striker without a move, and coach Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed he plans to speak with Balogun directly to offer his support after a difficult window. The situation adds another layer to an already complicated story around the 25-year-old, whose World Cup suspension was controversially lifted, drawing sharp criticism from Belgium's football association.

At the back, Pochettino confirmed that Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks will not be considered for the upcoming camp. Banks has been weighing his options between the United States and Germany since March and has yet to commit to either nation, leaving a gap in the defensive pool.

Haji Wright offers a further setback, with the forward ruled out for several weeks after suffering an injury that has delayed his Premier League debut with Coventry.

With a friendly against Peru scheduled for September 26, Pochettino will need to piece together a squad from a group still finding its footing after the tournament. The camp will offer an early indication of where this team stands heading into a new cycle.