The “Path2Pro” pipeline is officially flowing at a national level. Three of the USL’s brightest young talents—Ramiz Hamouda (Birmingham Legion FC), Brandon Dayes (Louisville City FC), and Jamir Johnson (Orange County SC)—have been tapped to represent the United States U-18 Men’s National Team at the prestigious 2026 Torneio Internacional de Lisboa in Portugal.
This selection isn’t just a nod to their potential; it’s a testament to the high-stakes minutes these teenagers are already logging in the professional ranks. From the South Central division to the West Coast, these prospects are proving that the USL is a premier launchpad for international duty.
The Scouting Report: Meet the Trio
Brandon Dayes | Center Back | Louisville City FC
The latest gem from the LouCity Academy, the 17-year-old Dayes is earning his very first national team call-up. He’s been a revelation to start the 2026 season, starting all three matches for the boys in purple.
- The Stats: 87% passing accuracy and 22 recoveries in just 352 minutes of league play.
Ramiz Hamouda | Defender | Birmingham Legion FC
A veteran of the youth national setup at just 17, Hamouda returns to the squad after representing the U.S. at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
- The Stats: 30 professional appearances for Legion, winning 92 duels at a 57.9% success rate.
Jamir Johnson | Forward | Orange County SC
A new addition to the OCSC attack this offseason, Johnson is another U-17 World Cup veteran. Formerly of the Philadelphia Union Academy, he brings lethal finishing and pace to the U-18 frontline.
- The Stats: 2 goals in limited minutes for Union II last season; has already featured three times for OCSC in the early 2026 campaign.
Tournament Schedule: Torneio Internacional de Lisboa
The young Yanks have a grueling three-match slate against diverse international competition in Portugal:
| Opponent | Date | Kickoff (ET) |
| Iceland | March 26 | 7:00 AM |
| Morocco | March 28 | 2:00 PM |
| Portugal (Host) | March 31 | 9:00 AM |
The USL Connection
This call-up highlights the increasing synergy between the USL Academy and the U.S. Youth National Teams. With players like Hamouda and Dayes getting meaningful professional minutes before they can even legally drive, the USMYNT is benefiting from a “battle-tested” generation of players.
Related ASN Coverage:
- USL Academy Expansion: 28 New Teams Join the Hunt for the 2026 Finals
- The Next Generation: How USL Championship is Outpacing Other Leagues in Youth Development
- Birmingham vs. Louisville: A Rivalry Built on Homegrown Talent
ASN Call to Action:
Which of these three prospects do you think has the highest ceiling? Is Dayes the next great American center back, or will Johnson’s goals lead the way to the 2028 Olympics? Let us know your scouting report in the comments! #USMYNT #USLChampionship #Path2Pro #FutureStars #SoccerDevelopment #AtlantaSoccerNews
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.