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The United States Men’s National Team officially unveiled its 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday during a special event at Pier 17 in New York City.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino selected a squad blending experienced veterans, European-based stars, and several MLS standouts as the United States prepares to host the world’s biggest soccer tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
A large core of the squad returns from the 2022 World Cup team, led by captain Christian Pulisic, midfielder Weston McKennie, and defensive leader Tyler Adams. The roster also includes several notable inclusions and omissions that immediately sparked debate among fans and analysts.
Among the biggest talking points was the exclusion of midfielder Tanner Tessmann despite a strong season with Lyon in France. Middlesbrough midfielder Aidan Morris and Real Salt Lake playmaker Diego Luna were also left off the final roster.
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Meanwhile, Seattle Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan and Club América winger Alejandro Zendejas earned spots in the squad.
Pochettino’s roster leans heavily on defensive depth, particularly at center back and wingback, while carrying fewer natural central midfielders than many expected. Injuries and yellow-card suspensions could become a concern later in the tournament, especially with Adams’ injury history and the physical demands of a World Cup run.
The United States opens the tournament on June 12 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles before continuing group play against Australia and Turkey.
Goalkeepers
- Matt Turner (New England Revolution)
- Matt Freese (New York City FC)
- Chris Brady (Chicago Fire FC)
Defenders
- Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven)
- Chris Richards (Crystal Palace F.C.)
- Antonee Robinson (Fulham F.C.)
- Auston Trusty (Celtic F.C.)
- Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
- Tim Ream (Charlotte FC)
- Alex Freeman (Villarreal CF)
- Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew)
- Mark McKenzie (Toulouse FC)
- Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
Midfielders
- Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth)
- Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
- Weston McKennie (Juventus FC)
- Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
- Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC)
- Malik Tillman (Bayer 04 Leverkusen)
Forwards
- Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven)
- Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)
- Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United F.C.)
- Haji Wright (Coventry City F.C.)
- Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco FC)
- Tim Weah (Olympique de Marseille)
- Alejandro Zendejas (Club América)
The United States’ 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/dXYsu2lvsq
— Golazo America (@GolazoAmerica) May 26, 2026
For SDFC fans, one familiar face making the roster is Seattle Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan, who has remained a consistent option for Pochettino throughout the cycle. Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter also earned a place after a breakout run of form in MLS.
With the World Cup set to be played on home soil, expectations surrounding the USMNT are massive. Pochettino’s squad now faces the pressure of delivering a deep tournament run in front of American fans this summer.
Keep it here, on SDFC Nation, for continued coverage of the USMNT throughout the tournament.
