Matt Besler called up to U.S. men’s national team for World Cup qualifiers

The 2015 season isn’t over quite yet for Sporting Kansas City’s captain.

Matt Besler was called up by the U.S. men’s national team Friday for its World Cup qualifiers this month.

The Americans play St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Nov. 13 in St. Louis before traveling to Trinidad and Tobago on Nov. 17 in Port of Spain. The pair of matches trigger the team’s qualification process for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Graham Zusi was not part of the 23-player U.S. roster.

“I’m grateful for another opportunity to represent my country with my U.S. teammates,” Besler said in a news release. “The beginning of World Cup qualifying is an exciting time, and I look forward to starting our campaign on the right note. Playing in front of the American Outlaws and the rest of our fans at Busch Stadium is going to be a great memory.”

Besler, 28, has appeared 27 times for the national team since making his debut in January 2013, most recently earning a start against Mexico on Oct. 10.

Sporting KC forward Krisztian Nemeth will also join his national team — Hungary — for two UEFA Euro qualifiers. Hungary will play Norway on Nov. 12 and Nov. 15 in a two-leg series.

“These are important matches for our country,” Nemeth said. “It has been too long since Hungary has qualified for the European Championship. We have a strong team with good players.”

Nemeth has made six appearances for Hungary in 2015. In his first season with Sporting KC, he scored 16 goals across all competitions.

This story was originally published November 6, 2015 at 12:30 PM with the headline "Matt Besler called up to U.S. men’s national team for World Cup qualifiers."