Atlanta's finest will be representing the nation on the world stage, just like he drew it up.
Luke Brennan, Atlanta Untied's Homegrown winger straight from the 404, was today named to the United States Under-20 National Team roster ahead of the 2025 FIFA Men's U-20 World Cup. Just over a week ago, Brennan spoke in media availability about his desire to be on the team and put on for his country:
"I think I've proven myself."
Well, he spoke it into existence. The forward addressed media again Friday morning just after news of his inclusion in the roster dropped.
"It means a lot," Brennan said. At the beginning of the season, I was hoping to be on this and looking forward to it. Now, I know the goals I have for it, so I'm not satisfied, and I'm ready."
What those goals are, Brennan wouldn't divulge. He said he knows what he wants to accomplish individually and as a team during the tournament.
Brennan said he found out he had made the roster earlier in the week. His first call was to his parents, and though they of course wouldn't take anything for granted, they expected this as much as he did.
Brennan will put on the Stars and Stripes in Chile, as the United States U-20s begin in Group E with fixtures against New Caledonia, France and South Africa on the horizon. Noah Cobb, Atlanta United's defender on loan with Colorado Rapids, was also named to the roster. The center back has made 13 appearances already for the U-20s and was a part of the side made the 2024 Concacaf Men's U-20 Championship.
Confidence is a trademark of not only Brennan's playstyle but his overall mentality as a footballer. He'll take a defender on one-on-one in space, no matter who stands in front of him. Best believe that won't change, even in a different, international spotlight. Brennan has made 10 caps with the U-20 squad, picking up two goals and two assists in those matches. On his most recent international break with the team, he picked up an assist in a 4-1 win against Morocco.
Expectations will be high. The U.S. U-20s have a record of success in the World Cup, having reached the quarterfinals in each of the last four tournaments. They're the only nation that can boast that statistic, and they join New Zealand as the only two countries to qualify for the last six U-20 World Cups.
"I think we're hungry," Brennan said. "I think we're a generation that isn't scared. We've played big teams, and we've pretty much beaten every team we played. We want to show that our development and our talent is high up there."
There's plenty reason to believe this is just the start for Brennan. On top of what has been his best club season of his early career, representing the U-20 side is quite the historical indicator for future success at the international level. Since 1981, 44 players that were named to a U.S U-20 roster went on to make a senior World Cup roster. Many of that group are now household names, as 12 went on to earn 100 caps for the USMNT: think Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, DaMarcus Beasley, Landon Donovan, Tim Howard and more.
That good company will only motivate Brennan further. He won't want to just be another member of the squad; he'll want that invaluable encounter with high pressure international football. The opportunity will be another steppingstone for him, and he'll bring his experience back home to Atlanta for the 5-Stripes.
"I have dreams of playing for the U.S. Men's National Team," Brennan said. "Just being in that environment, learning from the guys around me, the coaching staff, and playing in intense games that you need to win will help me so much."
