Barcelona’s decision to recall Diego Kochen, bringing him in as backup to Wojciech Szczęsny after No. 2 Joan García’s injury, prompted U.S. Soccer to make a late change to its FIFA U20 World Cup roster. The Blaugrana are also without Marc-André ter Stegen, who is dealing with a long-term injury. Brøndby’s Gavin Beavers has been called in as his replacement.
Missing major international opportunity
The 19-year-old Kochen, who has been developing with Barcelona's youth system since 2018, had initially been released by the Spanish giants to participate in the prestigious youth tournament. However, with the Catalan club facing an injury crisis at goalkeeper, it had no choice but the bring in its No. 3 keeper.
This represents a setback for Kochen, who would have been the presumed starter for the American side after establishing himself as one of the top goalkeeper prospects in the U.S. youth system.
AdvertisementFIFA regulations permit replacement
The switch was made possible through FIFA's tournament regulations, which specifically allow for player replacements when clubs withdraw previously granted releases. U.S. Soccer confirmed that while Kochen had initially received clearance to participate, FIFA approved the emergency roster change after Barcelona's recall decision.
Beavers recently made his first league appearance for Brøndby after previously playing for Real Salt Lake. The 20-year-old has made 40 league appearances between USL, MLS NEXT Pro, MLS and the Superliga.
Updated U.S. roster
GOALKEEPERS (3): 1-Gavin Beavers, 12-Adam Beaudry, 21-Duran Ferree
DEFENDERS (7): 2-Reed Baker-Whiting, 18-Luca Bombino, 5-Noah Cobb, 16-Ethan Kohler, 3-Nolan Norris, 17-Francis Westfield, 4-Joshua Wynder
MIDFIELDERS (6): 19-Matthew Corcoran, 8-Benjamin Cremaschi, 14-Taha Habroune, 6-Brooklyn Raines, 15-Pedro Soma, 10-Niko Tsakiris
FORWARDS (5): 11-Luke Brennan, 7-Cole Campbell, 20-Zavier Gozo, 13-Peyton Miller, 9-Marcos Zambrano
AFPImmediate challenge for adjusted squad
The U.S. open the 2025 U20 World Cup on Monday against New Caledonia, followed by matches against tournament favorites France on Oct. 2 and South Africa on Oct. 5. All three Group E matches will be played at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua, Chile.