Sports

USMNT Finalizes 26‑Man Roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The U.S. Men’s National Team has officially confirmed its 26‑player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, completing months of speculation and early reports with a formal announcement at an event in New York City on May 26. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino selected a squad that blends returning World Cup experience with first‑time call‑ups as the United States prepares to host matches on home soil.

The roster includes 13 players returning from the 2022 World Cup and 13 debutants, reflecting Pochettino’s emphasis on balance and depth. Several high‑profile omissions, including Diego Luna, Tanner Tessmann, and Aidan Morris, were confirmed after days of leaks leading up to the announcement.

Pochettino described the selection process as difficult, noting that several decisions required weighing positional depth, recent form, and injury considerations. The final squad features 10 defenders, giving the U.S. significant back‑line coverage heading into a demanding Group D slate.

The United States will open its World Cup campaign on June 12 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, followed by matches against Australia in Seattle on June 19 and Türkiye back in Los Angeles on June 25.

Full 26‑Man Roster (By Position)

Goalkeepers (3)

Chris Brady — Chicago Fire

Matt Freese — New York City FC

Matt Turner — New England Revolution

Defenders (10)

Max Arfsten — Columbus Crew

Sergiño Dest — PSV Eindhoven

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 (4)

Tyler Adams — AFC Bournemouth

Sebastian Berhalter — Vancouver Whitecaps

Weston McKennie — Juventus

Cristian Roldan — Seattle Sounders

Attacking Midfielders / Wingers (6)

Brenden Aaronson — Leeds United

Christian Pulisic — AC Milan

Gio Reyna — Borussia Mönchengladbach

Malik Tillman — Bayer Leverkusen

Tim Weah — Marseille

Alejandro Zendejas — Club América

Strikers (3)

Folarin Balogun — AS Monaco

Ricardo Pepi — PSV Eindhoven

Haji Wright — Coventry City

Key Notes

Gio Reyna and Alejandro Zendejas headline major inclusions after strong recent form.

Diego Luna, Tanner Tessmann, and Aidan Morris are among the most notable omissions.

Pochettino emphasized roster balance, selecting 10 defenders to reinforce the back line.

The U.S. begins World Cup play June 12 vs. Paraguay in Los Angeles.

Sources

  • AS USA
  • NBC New York
  • ESPN
  • U.S. Soccer
  • CBS Sports

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