ORLANDO, Fla. (Sept. 17, 2026) — Orlando City SC forward Justin Ellis has been named to the U.S. Men's National Team's 28-player roster for the upcoming September and October international window, earning the first senior national team call-up of his career.
Ellis, 19, is one of 13 uncapped players selected by U.S. Men's National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino as the program begins a new cycle leading into the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The Orlando City Homegrown could make his senior USMNT debut at Inter.co Stadium when the United States opens the four-match window against Peru on Sept. 26 in Orlando.
The Orlando City Homegrown forward has enjoyed a breakout 2026 campaign, leading the Lions with 12 assists across all competitions. His 10 assists in MLS play are one shy of matching the league's single-season assists record by a teenager, a mark of 11 set by Alphonso Davies in 2018 and matched earlier this season by Philadelphia Union midfielder Cavan Sullivan.
"Justin has earned this opportunity through his performances and growth this season," said Ricardo Moreira, Orlando City SC General Manager & Sporting Director. "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."
A native of Wellington, Fla., Ellis came through the Orlando City Academy, where he was named the MLS NEXT MVP presented by Adidas and won the Golden Boot as the Lions captured their first Generation adidas Cup title in 2025. He also featured in MLS NEXT Pro with Orlando City B, registering 11 goals and seven assists across 45 appearances from 2024-2026. Those performances earned him a First-Team contract as a Homegrown Player in February 2026 and he has since emerged as one of MLS' most promising playmakers and a key contributor to Orlando City's attack.
Ellis becomes the latest Orlando City Academy product to earn a senior U.S. Men's National Team call-up and joins former Orlando City Homegrown and current U.S. international Alex Freeman among the players selected to the September-October roster.
The U.S. Men's National Team will open the international window against Peru on Sept. 26 at Inter.co Stadium in Orlando before facing Chile on Sept. 29 in St. Louis, Mexico on Oct. 3 in Glendale, Arizona, and Canada on Oct. 6 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Tickets for the USA-Peru friendly in Orlando are available here.
