The roster announcement came less than three weeks before the tournament opens across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
UNITED STATES, — As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its final weeks, the United States men’s national soccer team unveiled the 26 players who will represent the country for the sport’s biggest tournament.
The roster looks familiar, as all 26 names were on the leaked roster that was published last Saturday.
U.S. Soccer head coach Mauricio Pochettino officially revealed the roster during a nationally televised event in New York. The announcement came less than three weeks before the tournament opens across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The roster includes many of the program’s most recognizable names, led by captain Christian Pulisic, midfielder Weston McKennie, defender Antonee Robinson and midfielder Tyler Adams. Gio Reyna also made the final squad despite ongoing debate surrounding his limited club playing time in Europe.
Among the goalkeepers selected were Matt Turner, Matt Freese and Chris Brady.
Defenders on the roster include Sergiño Dest, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Joe Scally, Max Arfsten, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson and Auston Trusty.
Midfielders include Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna, Cristian Roldan and Malik Tillman.
Forwards on the roster include Brenden Aaronson, Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Haji Wright and Alejandro Zendejas.
Just eight players were taken from Major League Soccer, the fewest since four in 2010, and no MLS attacking players were chosen.
The selections that drew the most attention were the players left off the roster.
Midfielder Diego Luna was among the most notable omissions after becoming a fan favorite during recent national team appearances. Midfielder Tanner Tessmann also failed to make the final squad despite strong performances with French club Lyon.
Pochettino, who took over the national team amid growing expectations ahead of the 2026 tournament, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of selecting “the right 26” players.
The United States enters the World Cup tournament with heightened expectations. The Americans automatically qualified for the World Cup as co-hosts and will attempt to capitalize on home-field advantage.
The United States will now travel to Georgia for final preparations before pre-tournament friendlies against Senegal and Germany. The Americans begin World Cup play on June 12 against Paraguay before facing Australia and Turkey in group-stage matches later in the month.