Diego Kochen was widely anticipated as a top goalkeeper prospect within U.S. youth soccer since joining Barcelona’s youth academy in 2018. Fans had expected him to showcase his abilities for Team USA at the 2025 Under 20 World Cup; yet are now grieving due to him not competing at that tournament.
On September 27th, news from Chile where the 2025 FIFA tournament would take place emerged through Major League Soccer and United Soccer National Team insider Tom Bogert on X. He reported “GK Diego Kochen has left United States camp at U-20 World Cup after being recalled by Barcelona,” adding that negotiations took place with this Spanish club about this request by USSF regarding it.
The situation escalated rapidly when it became evident that Barcelona needed Kochen back as their reserve goalkeeper behind Wojciech Szczęsny due to an unforeseen crisis. The urgency arose after Barca’s backup goalkeeper, Joan Garcia, sustained an injury and with Marc-André ter Stegen also unavailable, leaving the Catalan giants in a dire situation needing Kochen’s immediate return before the season commenced.
Following their triumph in the 2024-25 La Liga season and currently competing at the top in the ongoing season, Barcelona’s decision to recall Kochen was driven by their ambition to defend their title and their commitments in the Champions League.
With Kochen’s unexpected departure, Gavin Beavers from Brøndby IF will step in as Team USA’s goalkeeper for the U-20 World Cup. This move, allowed under FIFA’s emergency replacement rules, aims to fill the gap left by Kochen’s recall to Spain. The U.S. team is set to start their campaign in Rancagua, facing New Caledonia, with Adam Beaudry and Duran Ferree serving as backup goalkeepers.
The ripple effects of Kochen’s withdrawal extend far beyond the pitch, leaving fans and soccer enthusiasts in the U.S. feeling frustrated. His absence marks a significant setback, particularly with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, an event that presents an ideal platform for young talents like Kochen to gain valuable international experience.
Supporters Vent Over Lost Opportunity for Kochen
Fans have spoken out against Barcelona’s decision, emphasizing its negative ramifications for Kochen’s ability to represent his nation on such an impressive stage. Comments ranged from criticism of their decision making process and developmental implications of making such an important selection decision for an unproven player like Kochen as an American international footballer at such an important age group tournament, all to accusations against someone for shortchanging him this opportunity at such an important tournament as U-20 World Cup 2019. Fans clearly view Kochen as having seen his chance diminished and are searching for someone they can hold accountable.
This turn of events not only illustrates the difficulties young players encounter when trying to balance club and national commitments, but it also underscores America’s unfaltering support of soccer development.