From the Academy to the World Stage: Brennan, Cobb Named to U.S. U-20 World Cup Squad

U.S. Soccer announced today that Atlanta United winger Luke Brennan has been named to the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, set for Sept. 27–Oct. 19 in Chile. He’ll be joined by defender Noah Cobb, currently on loan with Colorado Rapids through the end of the season.

The U-20s, coached by Marko Mitrović, kick off the Group Stage against New Caledonia on Sept. 29 (7 p.m. ET, FS1/Universo) before squaring off with France on Oct. 2 (4 p.m. ET, FS2/Universo) and South Africa on Oct. 5 (4 p.m. ET, FS2/Telemundo). All three matches will be played at Estadio El Teniente in Rancagua, Chile.

The U.S. heads into the tournament with momentum, having reached the quarterfinals in each of the last four U-20 World Cups—more than any other nation—and returning 12 players from the squad that punched its ticket with a runner-up finish at the 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship.

For Brennan, the call-up is another milestone in a fast-rising career. The 20-year-old Homegrown winger has logged 20 career MLS appearances, including 12 this season, and was a key piece of Atlanta’s Academy since joining the inaugural class in 2016. He’s made 10 appearances with the U.S. U-20s, tallying two goals and two assists.

Cobb, also 20, continues his climb through U.S. youth ranks with 13 U-20 appearances to date. The Chattanooga native made his professional debut at just 15 years old with ATLUTD 2 before signing a Homegrown deal effective in 2023. He has 39 MLS appearances under his belt and will anchor the U.S. backline in Chile.

With Brennan and Cobb’s selections, Atlanta United has now seen five First Team players represent the club at a U-20 World Cup, joining Lagos Kunga (2017), Ezequiel Barco (2019), and Caleb Wiley (2023).

Atlanta United (5-13-11, 26 points) returns to MLS action Saturday, Sept. 20, when it hosts San Diego FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (4:30 p.m. ET, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV).