FRISCO, Texas (Aug. 28, 2025) — FC Dallas Homegrown midfielder Nolan Norris has received a call-up to the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team for its upcoming international friendlies in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain. Norris will join the American squad for matches against Morocco on Sept. 5 and Sept. 7 at the Pinatar Arena Football Center, with both fixtures scheduled for 12 p.m. CT.

The selection marks a significant milestone in the 19-year-old’s young career, rewarding his growth with FC Dallas this season and underscoring the club’s continued role as a pipeline for American youth internationals.

A Breakthrough Season in MLS

Norris has enjoyed his most productive season to date with FC Dallas, appearing in 10 league matches and logging a personal-best 618 minutes. His performances have steadily improved as head coach Nico Estévez has placed greater trust in the midfielder’s composure and positional awareness.

Primarily deployed as a defensive midfielder, Norris has provided Dallas with a reliable presence in front of the back line. His ability to break up play, distribute efficiently, and adapt to the pace of MLS competition has earned praise from teammates and coaches alike.

For Norris, the call-up represents validation of his steady rise since signing his first professional deal. He became the club’s 35th Homegrown player on Nov. 16, 2022, continuing FC Dallas’ tradition of producing domestic talent that contributes at both club and international levels.

The International Opportunity

The U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team is using the September window to prepare for future competitions, including the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup cycle. Head coach Mikey Varas has emphasized building a squad capable of competing on the global stage, and Norris’ inclusion signals confidence in his potential to anchor the midfield at the international level.

Facing Morocco provides a unique challenge. The North African nation has emerged as a consistent force in youth football, known for its technical ability and tactical discipline. For Norris and his American teammates, the friendlies will serve as a measuring stick against high-caliber international competition.

FC Dallas’ Development Pipeline

FC Dallas has long been recognized as one of Major League Soccer’s premier developers of young talent. Norris follows in the footsteps of players like Weston McKennie, Reggie Cannon, and Jesús Ferreira, all of whom rose through the club’s academy ranks before earning international recognition.

The Homegrown program has become central to the club’s identity, and Norris’ progression from academy standout to first-team contributor exemplifies that model. His call-up also provides further proof of Dallas’ ability to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term player development.

Club officials congratulated Norris following the announcement, noting that international opportunities strengthen not only the player but the FC Dallas organization as a whole.

Building for the Future

While Norris is still carving out his role at the professional level, this latest achievement underscores the promising trajectory of his career. For a teenager still adjusting to the demands of top-flight soccer, the chance to test himself against international opposition represents a critical step in his development.

The exposure to high-level competition in Spain could sharpen his skills and expand his tactical understanding, assets that will benefit both the national team and FC Dallas when he returns to MLS play.

Looking Ahead

The upcoming matches against Morocco mark another opportunity for the U.S. U-20 squad to assess its depth and build chemistry ahead of future tournaments. For Norris, it is both a personal milestone and a chance to solidify his standing within the national team pool.

For FC Dallas supporters, his call-up is yet another reminder of the club’s growing reputation as a cornerstone of U.S. soccer development.

As Norris boards his flight for Spain, the hope is that his performances abroad will add to a season already filled with growth and that his rising star continues to shine for both club and country.