Orlando City SC forward Justin Ellis earned the first senior U.S. Men’s National Team call-up of his career after being named to the United States’ 28-player roster for the September and October international window. Ellis, 19, is one of 13 uncapped players selected by U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The program is beginning a new cycle leading into the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Ellis could make his senior debut when the United States faces Peru on Sept. 26 at Inter.co Stadium in Orlando. The match begins a four-game window for the U.S. Men’s National Team. The schedule also includes matches against Chile, Mexico and Canada.
Justin Ellis leads Orlando City SC in 2026 assists
Ellis leads Orlando City SC with 12 assists across all competitions in the 2026 campaign. He has 10 assists in Major League Soccer play, one shy of the league’s single-season assists record by a teenager. Alphonso Davies set the record with 11 assists in 2018, and Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan matched it earlier in the 2026 season.
Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City SC General Manager & Sporting Director, said Ellis earned the opportunity through his performances and growth. “Justin has earned this opportunity through his performances and growth this season,” Moreira said. “We take tremendous pride in seeing one of our Homegrown players receive his first senior national team call-up. It speaks to Justin’s dedication, the commitment of our technical staff and academy, and the pathway we’ve built at Orlando City. We’re excited to see him represent both our club and our community with the United States.”
Ellis came through the Orlando City Academy
Ellis is a native of Wellington, Fla., and came through the Orlando City Academy. He was named MLS NEXT MVP presented by Adidas and won the Golden Boot when Orlando City captured its first Generation adidas Cup title in 2025. Ellis also registered 11 goals and seven assists in 45 MLS NEXT Pro appearances with Orlando City B from 2024 through 2026.
Orlando City SC signed Ellis to a First-Team contract as a Homegrown Player in February 2026. His national team selection makes him the latest Orlando City Academy product to earn a senior U.S. Men’s National Team call-up. Former Orlando City Homegrown player and current U.S. international Alex Freeman was also selected to the September-October roster.
United States schedule in the international window
The United States will face Peru on Sept. 26 at Inter.co Stadium in Orlando. The team will then play Chile on Sept. 29 in St. Louis and Mexico on Oct. 3 in Glendale, Arizona. The window concludes against Canada on Oct. 6 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
FSB Take
Ellis’ call-up gives Orlando City SC another academy-developed player in the senior U.S. Men’s National Team setup. His 12 assists across all competitions and 10 MLS assists provide the clearest statistical context for the selection. The Peru match in Orlando could give the 19-year-old forward his first senior international appearance.
Source: Original report