USMNT's 26-Player Roster for 2026 World Cup Revealed

Mauricio Pochettino faces several tough decisions to name a squad for the 2026 World Cup hosts. After 24 matches into the Pochettino era, the moment of truth has arrived. The US men's national team's 2026 World Cup roster will be named on 26 May, and the team's two recent friendlies (a 5-2 loss to Belgium and a 2-0 loss to Portgual) have given Pochettino plenty to think about as he makes his selection.

We here at the Guardian have made our picks as well – based a little on our own preference, but still within the realm of what Pochettino may do. Separately, the three of us made our 26-man rosters. Any player who we agreed on got the "on the squad" designation. Anyone we differed on is listed as "up for debate", with other notable exclusions listed as "out of the picture".

Goalkeepers

On the squad: Matt Turner, Ethan Horvath, Sean Johnson

Up for debate: None

Out of the picture: None

Defenders

On the squad: Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Walker Zimmerman, Sergiño Dest, Miles Robinson

Up for debate: Chris Richards, Erik Palmer-Brown

Out of the picture: John Brooks, Mark McKenzie

Midfielders

On the squad: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Kellyn Acosta, Brenden Aaronson

Up for debate: Luca de la Torre, Sebastian Lletget

Out of the picture: Cristian Roldan, Jackson Yueill

Forwards

On the squad: Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Giovanni Reyna, Jesús Ferreira, Josh Sargent

Up for debate: Haji Wright, Jordan Pefok

Out of the picture: Gyasi Zardes, Nicholas Gioacchini

Pochettino has some tough choices to make, but this is the 26-player roster we envision him selecting for the 2026 World Cup as the host nation. While there are a few positions up for debate, the core of this squad is well-established and ready to lead the USMNT on home soil.