Aug 1, 2026; Harrison, New Jersey, USA; Red Bull New York forward Julian Hall (16) kicks the ball against Orlando City SC during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
It’s been a historic week for Red Bull New York’s pair of teenagers, Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti. Not only were they called for their first senior camp with the United States men’s national team (USMNT), but they also played a major role in their first Hudson River Derby victory over NYCFC.
Mehmeti was part of an immense midfield performance from Red Bull, and Hall’s hustle allowed him to capitalize on an NYCFC mistake that got him the winner in the 1-0 contest.
After Friday’s game, Red Bull propelled itself into playoff contention, and the two teens are joining 10 other MLS players on Mauricio Pochettino’s first US squad since the 2026 World Cup.
“I’ve told them to go and be themselves and show their personality and enjoy every part of it,” Red Bull head coach and USMNT alum Michael Bradley said. “They’ve earned the opportunity to go and be; they’ve earned the opportunity to go and begin the process of earning the respect and earning their place in that team. And like anything in life or in football. It’s not gonna, it won’t be picture perfect. It won’t be a nonstop trip to the top.
“There’ll be days or moments where it’s not perfect or not easy, but they’re two really talented young players. They both have really good mentalities. And again, they’ve earned their opportunity, and I’m really excited over the next few weeks to sit on the couch and watch the national team with Julian and Andri Mehmeti.”
Mehmeti, 17, and Hall, 18, will join a significant group of other first-time call-ups, including 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, who is starring for the Philadelphia Union.
“Yeah, I mean, to share the moment with Julian is great,” Mehmeti said. “And all the other young guys that are coming in, it’s gonna be great to see how they play; obviously, we’ve played some of them in before. So to see their characters, to actually be able to play with them is gonna be really good, and see how our football blends in together, and it’s great that they’re trusting the young guys. I know every young guy’s gonna go in there, ready to work, ready to learn.”
“I mean it’s awesome,” Hall added. “A lot of these guys I grew up playing against, and it’s super awesome to see all of them get their first call-up as well. So I’m just really excited to share the field with them.”
The USMNT will play four games over the next three weeks against Peru, Chile, Canada, and rivals Mexico as they begin to ramp up for the CONCACAF Nations League in November.
For more on Red Bull New York, Julian Hall, and Adri Mehmeti, visit AMNY.com
