Justin Ellis received the first senior national-team call-up of his career after the 19-year-old Orlando City forward was named to the U.S. Men’s National Team’s 28-player roster for the September-October international window. The selection came under head coach Mauricio Pochettino and makes Ellis one of 13 uncapped players chosen for the window.
The United States will host Peru on Sept. 26 at Inter.co Stadium, where Ellis made his first-team debut for Orlando City. Ellis said he had been thinking about the possibility of representing the United States in Orlando since the match was announced.
“When I found out the first friendly was going to be in Orlando, way before they even sent out the call, I had it in the back of my mind like probably two or three months ago that I need to try my best to get onto this roster, to play my first ever game for my country as a debut in Orlando, the place that’s given me everything, that gave me the chance,” Ellis said. “That would just be the best day of my life if I play in that game, and it would be incredible.”
Justin Ellis’ rise through Orlando City
Ellis joined the Orlando City Academy after a stint with Inter Miami CF. He later played for Orlando City B in MLS NEXT Pro before signing a first-team Homegrown contract in February.
In 2025, Ellis was named MLS NEXT MVP and won the Golden Boot as Orlando City won its first Generation adidas Cup title. During the 2026 campaign, he leads Orlando City with 12 assists across all competitions, including 10 in MLS play.
Ellis is one assist shy of the single-season record for a teenager in MLS play. His production helped place him in position for his first senior national-team selection.
Family support and an Orlando reunion
Ellis learned about the call-up while sitting with his family. He said his parents shared the emotional moment with him after he received the email from U.S. Soccer.
“I was right next to my dad when it happened. I got the email, and then my heart; I don’t know if it skipped a beat or caught on fire for a second, I don’t know what happened,” Ellis said. “And then I showed my dad. He just gave me a hug, and then my mom gave me a hug. I just thanked God. It was just a dream come true.”
He credited both parents for helping him reach the national-team level. Ellis described his father as a daily presence and said his mother’s work and support have also been essential.
“(My dad) and my mom are just everything to me. I’m so grateful to have them as my parents. I know my mom isn’t with us all the time; she works so hard for the family. And I’m with my dad almost the whole entire day. He’s my dad, my big brother, my friend. None of this would be possible without them.”
Fellow Orlando City Academy product Alex Freeman also was selected to the U.S. Men’s National Team roster. Freeman and Ellis came through the Orlando City Academy and Orlando City B around the same time and have remained close since Freeman moved to Spain to play for Villarreal.
“He’s one of the few people in football I’d consider family. Being able to reunite with Free and also play with him will be another dream come true,” Ellis said.
Ellis said he continues to follow Freeman’s matches with Villarreal and that the two remain in contact. Their selection gives two Orlando City Academy products an opportunity to share the U.S. national-team environment.
“He was just saying he’s proud of me, and I’m always supporting him. I’m always watching every Villarreal game now, and we always stay in touch.”
Ellis prepares for familiar opponents
Peru has called in current Orlando City midfielder Wilder Cartagena and former Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese for the international window. Ellis and Cartagena also share a locker room at Orlando City.
Ellis said the two have joked about facing each other when the United States plays Peru. Cartagena has told Ellis that he may temper his challenge because Orlando City will still need the forward after the international window.
“He sits right next to me in the locker room. He already said he’s thinking about hitting me, but like he also needs me for Orlando, so he’s debating whether to go really strong on me because it’s for the country, so he plays with a lot of passion, but he told me he might take it a little easy because we need you for Orlando. It’s a good joke to him. He’s an amazing guy and an amazing player.”
Ellis said he wants to help the United States with goals, assists, possession and defensive work. He also said he is especially excited to play with Gio Reyna, whom he has considered his favorite national-team player for several years.
“I can help the team win with goals, assists, just helping the team play beautiful soccer,” Ellis said. “I think that’s what I try to do on the field. I try to make the fans enjoy the game. I feel I can get the fans out of their seats with my play when I’m on the ball. Also on defense, work and try to help the team win the ball high up the field.”
“I’m really excited to play with Gio Reyna. He’s been my favorite national team player for a couple of years now. I really enjoy his game, and I hope to play with him and learn a lot from him. But also, everyone else. I mean, you have to be good to get called in.”
Before Ellis joins the U.S. Men’s National Team, Orlando City will play at the New England Revolution on Saturday at 7:30. The match will be broadcast on Apple TV, and Ellis is scheduled to join the U.S. camp afterward.
FSB Take
Ellis’ call-up marks the next step in a rapid progression through the Orlando City system. His 12 assists during the 2026 campaign, first-team Homegrown contract and selection to the United States roster provide the clearest verified measures of that progress.
The Sept. 26 match at Inter.co Stadium also gives Ellis a chance to pursue a potential national-team debut at the same venue where he made his first-team debut. Orlando City supporters will have one club match to follow before Ellis joins the United States, while Alex Freeman’s selection adds another Academy connection to the international window.
Source: Original report