Columbus Crew's Taha Habroune Named to USMNT U-23 Roster

Columbus Crew’s Taha Habroune Named to USMNT U-23 Roster

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Taha Habroune Earns U.S. Under-23 Call-Up for November Camp

Columbus Crew midfielder Taha Habroune is heading to Spain. The 20-year-old Homegrown talent has been named to Head Coach Steve Cherundolo’s U.S. Under-23 Men’s National Team roster for an upcoming training camp, as confirmed by the Columbus Crew. The camp, scheduled to run from November 9 through November 17, serves as a critical evaluation period as the program begins its long-term preparations for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

For Habroune, this inclusion marks another milestone in a rapidly ascending career. The Columbus native has become a fixture for the Black & Gold, having signed as the club’s 21st Homegrown Player back in January 2024. Since that debut, he has logged 55 regular-season appearances, asserting himself as a reliable presence in the midfield with six goals and six assists across those outings. His club form has been particularly sharp this season, where he recorded career highs of five goals and four assists while helping the team reach the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final.

Building an International Resume

This call-up is far from Habroune’s first experience in the international spotlight. His path through the youth national team ranks has been marked by steady participation in major FIFA tournaments. In 2023, he competed at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he played in all three group-stage matches and helped the U.S. advance to the knockout rounds. He even netted the opening goal in a hard-fought 3-2 Round of 16 loss to Germany, a side that would eventually claim the tournament title.

His momentum continued into 2025 during the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Across five appearances, he demonstrated his utility as an attacking threat, including a goal during the team’s dominant 9-1 victory over New Caledonia. These experiences at the U-17 and U-21 levels have provided the foundation for his current transition into the U-23 pool. With eight goals in 36 total appearances across those age groups, he has consistently proven his ability to contribute to the scoresheet when the stakes rise.

Recognition and Future Hurdles

The timing of this call-up coincides with growing external recognition of Habroune’s development. On October 20, he was named to the 2026 MLS 22 Under 22 list, an honor that highlights the most promising young players within the league. It was his second consecutive year earning the distinction, signaling that his progress is viewed as sustainable by scouts and league observers alike. Beyond his regular-season contributions, his seven appearances in the Leagues Cup—where he tallied four assists—further illustrate his capacity to perform in tournament settings.

Columbus crew v los angeles football club concacaf champions cup
Columbus crew players pose for a team before the second leg of the mls cup eastern

The transition to the U-23 level, however, represents a shift toward the final stage of professional development before the senior national team. The upcoming camp in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain, will put that development to the test. The squad is set to face Scotland on November 15, followed by a match against Ukraine on November 17, both at Pinatar Arena. These matches offer a glimpse into the tactical expectations Cherundolo demands as the team begins to filter talent for the 2028 Olympic cycle.

While the focus remains on his immediate performance in Spain, Habroune’s trajectory highlights the broader success of the Columbus Crew’s youth pipeline. For a player who has already notched 27 starts in 32 appearances this season, the challenge now is to maintain this level of consistency while competing against international peers who are vying for the same limited spots in the Olympic pool.

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