Full Breakdown
USMNT Announces Core 26-Man Roster for 2026 World Cup
5/23/2026, 4:09:35 AM
Core Roster Selections
On May 22, coach Mauricio Pochettino told a group they are on the United States men’s national team’s 26-man preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup. The core includes winger Gio Reyna, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, Leeds United winger Brenden Aaronson, Toulouse defender Mark McKenzie and goalkeeper Matt Turner. A live reveal is set for later that day; the final roster must be filed by June 1.
Context & Coaching Philosophy
Team USA will co-host the tournament, raising expectations for the squad. Pochettino, hired in 2024, led the 2024 CONCACAF Nations League and 2025 Gold Cup. Selections follow camps where Reyna, son of former captain Claudio Reyna, and Sebastian Berhalter, son of ex-coach Gregg Berhalter, have been regulars.
Player Highlights & Statistics
Selected players are winger Gio Reyna (9 USMNT goals, 36 caps, 509 Bundesliga minutes), midfielder Sebastian Berhalter (6 MLS goals, 4 assists, 2 Gold Cup assists), Leeds United winger Brenden Aaronson (4 Premier League goals, 5 assists, 36 of 37 games), Toulouse defender Mark McKenzie (2 assists in 29 Ligue 1 matches) and goalkeeper Matt Turner (57 saves, 5th-most in MLS, +7 goals-minus-expected). Omitted are Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna (4 MLS goals, 3 assists, 4 USMNT goals) and teammate Zavier Gozo (6 MLS goals, 3 assists).
Official Statements, Next Steps & Conflicting Details
David Wright of U.S. Soccer said the roster reveal is meant to energize fans and unite the nation behind the team, emphasizing that the announcement is more than a simple list. He noted the growing excitement surrounding the squad. Pochettino’s office confirmed a live broadcast on May 22 and that the final roster must be submitted to FIFA by June 1, with replacements allowed only for serious injury. Sources note the May 22 announcement is not binding and that Luna’s injury was described as “cautious” yet “good to go,” leaving his omission’s medical rationale unclear.
Criticism & Opposition
Reyna’s inclusion is contentious due to his 2022 World Cup near-expulsion and just 509 Bundesliga minutes this season, raising readiness concerns. The Berhalter family’s involvement draws scrutiny after post-2022 controversies. Luna’s omission, despite strong MLS numbers, fuels criticism of the coach’s injury-risk judgment.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m just hoping and waiting for the call-up, it would be an honor,” — Gio Reyna, U.S. MNT winger
- “The national team means a lot to me. … I’d love to be there, have an impact on the team. It would be a dream to represent my country at the World Cup.” — Gio Reyna, U.S. MNT
- “You can feel the energy building around this team, and fans want to be part of that,” — David Wright, U.S. Soccer
- “This event is about more than just unveiling a roster. It’s about channeling that energy and bringing people together behind the group heading into the World Cup.” — David Wright
