We’ve already talked about Ben Sweat’s first ever call-up to the United States national team. But during this international break, five other players have been selected by their respective nations.
Six #NYCFC Players Called to Represent National Teams 🌎
Maxime Chanot (Luxembourg), Alex Callens (Peru), Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (Libya), Ronald Matarrita (Costa Rica), Jesús Medina (Paraguay), and the aforementioned Sweat were all selected to join their national teams while New York City and most of MLS take a two-three week break.
For Matarrita, this is his first call-up to Costa Rica since their preparations for the World Cup. Unfortunately for the young left back, Mata sustained an injury and would be sent back to New York, missing his chance to play in the biggest international tournament in the world.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Chanot returns to Luxembourg to compete in the UEFA Nations League where he previously turned heads with a nifty finish against San Marino last month.
Six #NYCFC Players Called to Represent National Teams 🌎
Also worth noting is that Callens and Sweat could potentially play against each other when the USMNT takes on Peru in a friendly on October 16. Definitely mark that one down on your calendar!
Freese is on the 27-player United States roster for upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta, with the New York City FC goalkeeper trying to nail down a starting spot for this summer's World Cup.
Two local clubs are represented on the latest United States U-17 roster, as Gotham FC's Mak Whitham joins NYCFC's Paletta on the squad trying to qualify for the next U-17 World Cup in Morocco.
From SheBelieves Cup to 2027 Women's World Cup qualifiers, many members of the Gotham FC squad will be busy on national-team duty in the weeks leading up to the start of the NWSL regular season.
The 16-year-old central midfielder signed to NYCFC II is one of 21 players trying to help the United States qualify for this November's U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
New York City FC host Lionel Messi and the Miami Sound Machine in a grudge rematch of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. NYCFC are scoring at will despite playing without a true No 9: Can they extend their winning streak over a stumbling Inter Miami?
No Javier Mascherano? No problem: The Inter Miami head coach is suspended for the matchup with New York City FC at Citi Field, but the most valuable team in MLS history have Rodrigo de Paul, Dayne St. Clair, Mateo Silvetti, and a short-ish midfielder named Lionel Messi.
Here's the next installment of the Hudson River Blue Gallery, featuring photographs by Oscar Gamez of New York City FC's 3-1 win over Colorado Rapids City at Yankee Stadium.
