On Friday, we got a bit of premature news about the USMNT roster. Now, the entire 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup has been obtained by the Guardian, giving us our first glimpse at Mauricio Pochettino’s first World Cup roster. The official release is scheduled for Tuesday, but with enough sources confirming these selections, we’re confident in saying this will be the USMNT World Cup roster:
Goalkeepers: Matt Turner (New England Revolution), Matt Freese (New York City FC), Chris Brady (Chicago Fire)
Defenders: Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Joe Scally (Borussia M’gladbach), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Auston Trusty (Celtic), Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
Central/Defensive Midfielders: Weston McKennie (Juventus), Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Attacking Midfielders/Wing Midfielders: Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Gio Reyna (Borussia M’gladbach), Timothy Weah (Marseille), Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Alejandro Zendejas (Club América)
Forwards: Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco), Haji Wright (Coventry City), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven)
That’s a lot of names to digest. Let’s get into the big implications here.
Pochettino is choosing to carry 10 defenders, including Chris Richards, who just suffered an ankle injury with Crystal Palace. It’s a good sign that Richards will be available for part, if not all, of the tournament. The number of defenders, and especially the number of wide/wing backs (Robinson, Dest, Scally, Freeman, Arfsten) seems to indicate that a five-man back line will be used often. Pochettino has used a three-man back line with two wing backs high up the field, or a more traditional five-man back line. Either way, he’s going to need a lot of center backs and wing backs at his disposal, especially with Richards nursing his injury.
We already knew Sebastian Berhalter was making the team after yesterday’s news. This group of central/defensive midfielders is another indication into Pochettino’s plans. Tyler Adams, the do-it-all defensive midfielder, will hold things down in front of the back line while Weston McKennie plays a box-to-box role in the center. Berhalter is the de facto backup to Adams, while Cristian Roldan can back up both spots. Tanner Tessmann was a surprise omission on the roster, but his recent injury may be a factor here. It’s a sign of Pochettino’s emphasis on attacking players and defenders making up 80% of the group, likely in a 5-1-3-1 style formation.
Now that we know Gio Reyna is involved, the attacking midfield group isn’t very surprising. Christian Pulisic’s spot on the wing is as secure as anybody’s. Tim Weah and Brenden Aaronson will figure heavily into the winger conversation with Aaronson being able to slide inside to play more of a No. 10 role. Reyna can back up all three in theory, as will Malik Tillman. Zendejas is a surprise inclusion, but he can capably play out wide, in the center of the attack, and at the top of the formation. Which explains the choices made at the forward spot.
Pochettino will carry only three true forwards: Balogun, Pepi, and Wright. Balogun is sure to be the starter, with Pepi and Wright forming an interesting duel for backup duties. Zendejas could also get some looks up there if they want more speed. Real Salt Lake star Diego Luna was a shock omission after crushing his USMNT caps in 2025 and playing well for RSL. Perhaps Pochettino is taking a more long-term approach with the 22-year-old.
Keep in mind that official rosters aren’t due until June 1, and the full roster won’t be officially announced until Tuesday. It’s possible that these leaks have inaccuracies. With the USA due for two more friendly matches in the run-up to the Cup, there could be injuries, and the roster could be changed accordingly if FIFA approves. That’s especially important in the case of Chris Richards, who was included, and Tanner Tessmann, who was left off. Nothing is set in stone just yet, but in all likelihood, you’re looking at the 26 players who will try to shock the world for Team USA.
