ORLANDO - Orlando City SC forward Justin Ellis, a 19-year-old Wellington, Fla., native, has been named to the U.S. Men’s National Team’s 28-player roster for the September and October international window, earning the first senior call-up of his career.
Ellis is one of 13 uncapped players selected by USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino as the program begins a new cycle leading into the 2030 FIFA World Cup. The Homegrown forward could make his senior debut at Inter.co Stadium when the United States opens the four-match window against Peru on Sept. 26 in Orlando.
“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.”
Ellis 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.
A product of the Orlando City Academy, Ellis 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.
Ellis becomes the latest Orlando City Academy product to earn a senior USMNT call-up and joins former Orlando City Homegrown and current U.S. international Alex Freeman among the players selected to the roster.
After the Peru match in Orlando on Sept. 26, the USMNT faces Chile on Sept. 29 in St. Louis, Mexico on Oct. 3 in Glendale, Arizona, and Canada on Oct. 6 in St. Paul, Minnesota.