Adri Mehmeti Called Up by the United States—Could Albania Lose a Major Talent?

Adri Mehmeti, one of the most promising young players of Albanian heritage in American soccer, has received his first call-up to the senior United States Men’s National Team.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino included the 17-year-old Red Bull New York midfielder in his 28-player squad for four international friendlies against Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada.

It is a remarkable achievement for a player born on April 6, 2009, but it also represents a warning for the Albanian Football Association. Mehmeti previously represented Albania at U-15 level and remains eligible to choose the red-and-black national team.

From the Academy to the Senior National Team at 17

Mehmeti was born in New York City and raised in Staten Island in an Albanian family. He joined the New York Red Bulls Academy in 2019 and gradually progressed through every level of the club’s development system.

In 2023, he was part of the Red Bulls U-15 team that won the MLS NEXT Cup. He subsequently began his rapid rise toward professional soccer.

Mehmeti made his MLS NEXT Pro debut in 2024. A year later, he became the youngest captain in club history at 16 years and 42 days old.

He also became the youngest captain to lead a team to the MLS NEXT Pro championship—an achievement that demonstrated his leadership and maturity.

In December 2024, Red Bull New York rewarded the Albanian-American talent with a four-year MLS contract through the end of 2028, with an option for 2029.

An MLS Starter and a Key Player for the Red Bulls

The 2026 season has marked Mehmeti’s true breakthrough in American soccer.

During his first full MLS season with Red Bull New York, the midfielder has recorded:

24 MLS appearances One goal Five assists

He registered his first MLS assist on February 21, becoming the second-youngest player in franchise history to provide an assist.

Mehmeti made his first MLS start against Orlando City and scored his first league goal against Inter Miami on April 11, 2026.

Despite his young age, he has already assumed significant responsibility in the Red Bulls midfield. He stands out for his tactical intelligence, composure in possession, vision, progressive passing and ability to control the tempo of a match.

His performances caught Pochettino’s attention, earning him a place in the United States’ new project leading toward the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

He Has Represented Both the United States and Albania

At youth international level, Adri Mehmeti has worn the colors of both countries.

He made seven appearances and scored one goal for the United States U-15 team. He also recorded three appearances and one goal for Albania U-15.

In a previous interview, Mehmeti said that he respects both national teams and remains open-minded about his international future.

His parents are from Albania, he speaks Albanian at home and has visited the country since childhood. At the same time, he was born and developed as a player in the United States—a country that has provided important opportunities for both his family and his career.

That places the 17-year-old in front of a significant personal and sporting decision.

Four Opportunities to Make His Senior Debut

Mehmeti will report to the United States training camp in Atlanta on September 20. The USMNT will play four friendlies:

September 26: United States vs. Peru, Orlando September 29: United States vs. Chile, St. Louis October 3: United States vs. Mexico, Glendale October 6: United States vs. Canada, St. Paul

If he appears in one of these matches, Mehmeti will make his senior international debut at only 17.

However, because these are friendly matches, an appearance would not necessarily tie him permanently to the United States. Mehmeti could remain eligible to represent Albania, provided he does not play in a senior competitive match for the United States and continues to meet FIFA’s eligibility requirements.

Is Albania Acting Too Late?

A senior USMNT call-up significantly changes the situation. Pochettino has not selected Mehmeti merely to offer him a symbolic experience. He has included the midfielder at the beginning of a new four-year cycle and views him as part of a generation that could represent the United States in the future.

For Albania, the matter cannot be limited to the fact that Mehmeti made three appearances for its U-15 team.

The Albanian Football Association must present him with a concrete plan, maintain regular communication and explain what role he could have in the future of the senior national team.

In modern soccer, dual-national talents are not convinced by words or family heritage alone. They look for trust, a development plan and a clear pathway to the senior team.

Adri Mehmeti is still only 17, but the clock has started ticking. The United States has made its move. Now it is Albania’s turn to show whether it considers him part of the red-and-black future.

Sources: U.S. Soccer and Red Bull New York