Christian Pulisic Weston McKennie in USMNT squad for September friendlies

Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic, Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, as well as the Leeds United duo of Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams are among those chosen for the United States men's national team 26-player roster ahead of the last set of pre-World Cup friendlies.

The U.S. will play Japan in Dusseldorf, Germany, on Sept. 23, with another match against Saudi Arabia scheduled in Murcia, Spain, four days later. The team will convene in Cologne for the first day of training on Sept. 19.

— Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)

The U.S. opens the World Cup on Nov. 21 against Wales, with matches against England and Iran to follow.

«As we approach the World Cup, this is another opportunity for us to take a step forward as a group,» USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter said. «We have a strong roster and can use these games as a measuring stick against World Cup opponents as we continue to gain valuable experience ahead of going to Qatar.»

But given this is the last time Berhalter will see his players up close until it meets up in Qatar, the players who are absent are notable as well. Union Berlin forward Jordan Pefok, who has three goals and two assists so far this season, was among the omissions.

While he has been dealing with a muscle injury of late, he did log 75 minutes in last weekend's 1-0 win over FC Cologne that sent Berlin to the top of the Bundesliga.

Left back Antonee Robinson was also excluded due to an ankle injury he picked up in a 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur back on Sept. 3. His spot on the roster is secure if he's healthy.

Defender John Brooks is another omission. Long on the outside looking in, and despite his playing pedigree from years spent in the Bundesliga, Brooks has yet to log any