Jesús Ferreira Breaks Silence on USMNT World Cup Push After Two-Year Absence

Story by

Emmanuel Mendez

Fri, Jan 30, 2026 ·

2 min read

With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, many national team head coaches will soon decide on the players they will pick for their respective World Cup rosters.

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been calling up many players for friendly matches ahead of the World Cup. His rosters over the past few months have included players in the MLS and young players who have little experience in the national team.

One of the players who is in the MLS and has not been part of the USMNT friendly matches ahead of the 2026 World Cup is Seattle Sounders striker Jesús Ferreira .

The 25-year-old Colombian-born striker has played for the USMNT in the past since 2020, which led to him being a part of the USMNT World Cup roster in 2022.

Despite his experience with the national team, Ferreira has not played for the USMNT for two years now. Ferreira has not been called up by Mauricio Pochettino since the Argentine manager arrived in late 2024.

Ferreira last played for the USMNT in the 2023 Gold Cup semifinal against Panama, where he scored in the USMNT's elimination to Panama by losing 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Jesús Ferreira #9 of United States battles <a class= — Jesús Ferreira #9 of United States battles Adalberto Carrasquilla #8 of Panama during the Semifinal match of the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup at Snapdragon Stadium on July 12, 2023 in San Diego, California. Panama won the match in a Penalty Kick shootout after a 1-1 draw. (Photo by Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Jesús Ferreira on potential USMNT return

After not being part of the USMNT for two years, Jesús Ferreira spoke about his aspirations to return to the USMNT ahead of the World Cup.

In an interview with Pulso Sports, Ferreira said, "For the national team, I absolutely have a chance [to come back]. There is four, five months between the start of the season and the World Cup. That’s enough time to show the coaching staff that I can be there."

Ferreira made it clear that his goal is to earn a call-up to the USMNT for the World Cup. The Seattle Sounders star said, "So that’s something I’m looking forward to. My goal is to make the World Cup. That comes with a lot of excitement and work. I’m excited for the season to start so I can show."

Ferreira and the Seattle Sounders start their 2026 MLS Season on February 22, 2026, against the Colorado Rapids at Lumen Field.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the Soccer section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.