Full Breakdown
USMNT Unveils 26-Man Squad for 2026 World Cup
5/25/2026, 1:59:34 AM
Core Announcement
Coach Mauricio Pochettino will announce a 26-player United States men’s national team roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at a New York City event on Tuesday. The United States co-hosts the tournament with Canada and Mexico; the squad will open Group D against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Roster Overview
Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution). Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergiño Dest (PSV), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic). Midfielders: Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders). Attacking mids/wingers: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Tim Weah (Marseille), Alejandro Zendejas (Club América). Forwards: Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV), Haji Wright (Coventry City). Thirteen are first-time selections.
Notable Inclusions and Exclusions
Reyna returns for a second World Cup despite only 509 Bundesliga minutes this season and a prior disciplinary issue. Zendejas makes his first senior call-up after 12 goals and seven assists for Club América. Richards is selected while recovering from a two-ligament ankle tear. Luna (Real Salt Lake) and Tessmann (Lyon) are omitted due to muscle injuries.
Criticism and Opposition
Analysts question Reyna’s selection given limited club form and past behavioral concerns; critics note Luna’s omission despite four goals, four assists in 18 USMNT matches and a high-profile promotional role.
Official Statements
U.S. Soccer said the roster will be announced Tuesday and that Pochettino has until June 1 to file the final list with FIFA; replacements are allowed only up to 24 hours before the opening match. The team will play Senegal (May 31) and Germany (June 6) in friendlies.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on Tessmann’s fitness—some say his strain will not affect availability, others list him as a notable absence—and on Richards’ ankle, with Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner claiming readiness despite a reported ligament tear. No official medical updates have been released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The players that today are on the roster, they cannot think they are going to be in the final roster,” — Mauricio Pochettino, USMNT head coach
- “When we go to Atlanta, maybe we can take some pictures, prepare things for marketing or things like this, because it is the last opportunity to make these types of things.” — Mauricio Pochettino
- “special situation” — Mauricio Pochettino, referring to Gio Reyna
- “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
What’s Next
After the announcement, the USMNT will play friendlies against Senegal and Germany before the June 1 FIFA deadline; any changes after that are limited to serious injury or illness.
