ATLANTA – Sacramento Republic FC midfielder Blake Willey has been selected in the U.S. U-18 Men’s National Team squad selected by Head Coach Marlon LeBlanc for the upcoming UEFA Friendship Cup in Nyon, Switzerland.

The call-up marks the first national team selection for Willey since he joined the professional ranks in November 2023. The 18-year-old Sacramento native has emerged as one of the USL Championship’s brightest young stars this season, appearing in every game of the season across all competitions.

In league play, Willey is among the team leaders across several stats categories, including chances created (7), tackles won (9), and passing accuracy (84%).

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Blake to experience international soccer against top competition,” said Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant. “We wish the team well in the tournament and look forward to re-integrating Blake to our squad when he return.”

Launched in 2024, the UEFA Friendship Cup invites U-18 teams from Europe and other confederations to participate in international competition. This year’s players will be age-eligible for the next cycle at the U-20 National Team level that will aim to compete at the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Team USA will compete in Group A alongside Argentina, Australia, and France. Group stage matches will take place on June 1 (vs. France), June 4 (vs. Argentina), and June 7 (vs. Australia). Group rankings will determine matchups for the final day of competition on June 10, when teams from Group A will face off with Group B (Japan, Portugal, Senegal, Uruguay).