Julian Hall is one appearance away from being locked into the U.S. men’s national team for good.
The New York Red Bulls forward was named to the USMNT squad for Concacaf Nations League matches against Haiti on Nov. 14 in Miami and Nov. 17 in Cincinnati. Under FIFA rules, if the 18-year-old plays in either game, he becomes permanently cap-tied to the United States.
Hall, a New York City native, is also eligible to play for Poland through his mother’s heritage, and the Polish federation has made no secret of its interest in him. In September, Hall told The Post his international future was “definitely not solidified for me,” adding: “I appreciate the opportunity and I’m going to do as much as I can to make an impact, but I’m definitely still open to my Polish side. That’s a side that I cherish a lot, especially because my mom is from there.”
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino isn’t worried. Speaking to reporters Wednesday after announcing the roster, he said Hall showed clear enthusiasm for playing for the U.S. during his first senior call-up in September and October.
“I don’t know what he said, but when Julian was with us, he was really excited to play for us, for the badge, for USA,” Pochettino said. “That’s what counts. In the end, what’s most important is how he performs, acts and his commitment.”
FIFA regulations state that a player under 21 becomes cap-tied after appearing in more than three senior matches, including at least one official competition. Hall already played in four friendlies during the September/October window, scoring three goals and adding an assist, but none of those counted as official competitions. The Nations League matches against Haiti do count, meaning a single appearance would seal his international fate with the United States.
If Hall still wanted to switch to Poland after that point, he would have to file a one-time international transfer request with FIFA, a process complicated by his earlier participation in the FIFA U-17 World Cup with the U.S. youth setup.
Pochettino made clear he has no doubts about including the teenager.
“There’s no doubt for me,” Pochettino said of Hall’s call-up, adding the young forward “fully deserves” the spot.
Hall has been the standout for his club this year. Though the Red Bulls missed the MLS playoffs, he scored 16 goals and added four assists in 34 matches across all competitions, making him the team’s top performer in 2026.
