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Pochettino to Name US Roster; Robinson Poised Return

5/23/2026

25 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Pochettino Announces Roster

Mauricio Pochettino will announce the 26-player U.S. World Cup roster on May 26 in New York.
Miles Robinson, a 38-cap defender since 2019, is a likely pick after missing the March window with a groin injury and 2022 with an Achilles rupture, having returned to Cincinnati and staying focused on the present.
If chosen, Robinson would face Paraguay on June 12, Australia in Seattle and Türkiye in Los Angeles.

Summary

**Pochettino Overhauls Roster**

Pochettino has dismantled the hierarchy, leaving no guaranteed roster spots.
Acting U.S. Soccer sporting director Oguchi Onyewu says he is as unsure about the roster as the players.
Nineteen-year-old Real Salt Lake forward Zavier Gozo is on the provisional 55-man list submitted to FIFA before the May 11 deadline.
Center-back Chris Richards tore ankle ligaments with Crystal Palace, casting doubt on his World Cup participation.

Summary

Pochettino Reveals Roster

Mauricio Pochettino will host the U.S. men’s team’s first live World Cup roster reveal in New York City on May 26.
The 26-player roster, up from 23, will be announced before the final friendlies against Senegal and Germany at the end of May.
Media outlets will broadcast the event, giving fans a real-time look at the lineup and seeking to raise interest as United States prepares to host the World Cup.

Summary

Ream Ties Record

Tim Ream, 38, could tie Fernando Clavijo as the joint-oldest USMNT World Cup player.
Chris Richards, a Crystal Palace defender, logged 49 games and two goals despite an ankle ligament tear.
Noahkai Banks, a 19-year-old Augsburg defender, remains undecided between Germany and the United States, adding dual-national depth.
Richards or Ream could captain, while Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty are backups if they miss the tournament.

History

Historical Context

FIFA awarded the 1994 World Cup to the United States on July 4 1988; the tournament ran June 17-July 17 1994, drawing a record 3,587,538 spectators across nine venues. Its financial success and expanded 24-team format sparked lasting growth, prompting U.S. Soccer to enlarge the 2026 roster to 26 players, as announced later in May 26.

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Pochettino Announces Roster

Mauricio Pochettino will announce the 26-player U.S. World Cup roster on May 26 in New York.
Miles Robinson, a 38-cap defender since 2019, is a likely pick after missing the March window with a groin injury and 2022 with an Achilles rupture, having returned to Cincinnati and staying focused on the present.
If chosen, Robinson would face Paraguay on June 12, Australia in Seattle and Türkiye in Los Angeles.

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