World Cup 2026

Help build Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT roster for the 2026 World Cup

Which players make your 26-man squad? Choose someone for each position and shape the team you want to see this summer.

Mauricio Pochettino, entrenador de Estados Unidos

Update: May 9th, 2026 01:44 EDT

Putting together the World Cup roster is a major challenge for Mauricio Pochettino. The United States men’s team heads into the 2026 tournament in Group D with the added pressure of being a host nation, and expectations that this talented generation can make history on home soil. However, Pochettino’s new-look team still has many unanswered questions, with injuries and inconsistent form across key areas of the squad.

The first game is against Paraguay on on Friday 12 June at 9 p.m. ET, followed by Australia (Fri 19/6 at 3 p.m. ET) and then Turkey (Thu 25/6 at 10 p.m.)

With the spotlight brighter than ever, and little room for error, every choice matters. The Argentine coach must strike the right balance between proven performers and exciting young talent as he shapes his final squad for the biggest stage in world soccer.

Now it’s your turn to build your own 26-man squad for the USMNT. Select three goalkeepers and two/three players per position. Once you’ve made your picks, click ‘Next’ to continue.

View the list Go to the poll

Preliminary roster

The 55-player preliminary roster for the 2026 World Cup

Go to the poll

Position

Team

Goalkeeper

Matt Freese

27 years - New York City

One of the biggest beneficiaries of Mauricio Pochettino’s faith in MLS players, Freese is now a mainstay in the national team and started every game at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. Unspectacular but calm on the ball and assured from crosses, a solid option for a team without a wealth of top goalkeeping options.
Goalkeeper

Matt Turner

31 years - New England Revolution

Looked destined to be the long-term USMNT No. 1 but poor form in the Premier League and an unsuccessful stint in France have seen Turner lose his starter’s spot. Still, with 53 senior international caps he has a wealth of experience and was trusted with a start against Belgium in the March friendlies.
Goalkeeper

Patrick Schulte

25 years - Columbus Crew

A key part of the swashbuckling Columbus team that clinched MLS Cup in 2023, Schulte is a modern goalkeeper and brave with his passing. Not the most imposing figure in goal but he is now a regular in US squads, despite making only three senior appearances so far.
Goalkeeper

Roman Celentano

25 years - F.C. Cincinnati

Celentano was one of three goalkeepers called up by Pochettino for the March internationals but injury forced him to withdraw from the squad. Still yet to make his first appearance for the national team and that recent injury may have robbed him of his final chance to stake a real claim for the World Cup roster.
Goalkeeper

Zack Steffen

31 years - Colorado Rapids

Another goalkeeper with European experience who has slipped down the pecking order for the national team. Never able to secure regular appearances with Manchester City, Steffen has returned to MLS with the Colorado Rapids and has made just one USMNT appearance since 2022. Yet to feature for Pochettino during his 18 months in charge.
Left Back

Antonee Robinson

28 years - Fulham

One of few bright spots from the March defeats, Robinson returned to the team after a long injury absence and showed why he has drawn interest from the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool. Dynamic in possession and solid defensively, ‘Jedi’ could be a key piece for Pochettino this summer.
Left Back

Maximiliam Arfsten

25 years - Columbus Crew

A former winger, Arfsten was converted to a wing-back under ex-Crew coach Wilfried Nancy. He is a technical, creative presence on the flank but his defensive qualities have sometimes been called into question. Made 16 USMNT appearances for Pochettino in 2025, showing that the coach values his on-ball abilities.
Left Back

John Tolkin

23 years - Holstein Kiel

The New Jersey native broke through in MLS with the New York Red Bulls in 2023, combining boundless energy with a cultured left foot. Made the move to Europe in January 2025, signing for then-Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel before the team were relegated to the second tier. A regular in 2.Bundesliga this year until suffering a ligament injury.
Left Back

Kristoffer Lund

23 years - FC Köln

A former Danish youth international, the on-loan Köln defender declared for the US in 2023 and was a part of the team that won the CONCACAF Nations League in 2024. Now a Bundesliga regular with considerable top-flight pedigree, but he is yet to make a single appearance for USMNT under Pochettino.
Left Back

John Nelson

27 years - LA Galaxy

A real wild card option, Nelson could find himself in the mix after injuries to DeJuan Jones and Caleb Wiley cut the options at left-back. A reliable performer in MLS, Nelson was a regular for the United States at youth team level but has not yet made a single senior squad.
Left Central Back

Tim Ream

38 years - Charlotte FC

A stalwart with the national team, Ream made his senior debut in 2010 and has remained a key part of the team into the Pochettino era. His ball-playing and leadership qualities are clear to see but the 38-year-old can be targeted by pacey opposition forwards, meaning that he sometimes relies on younger, faster teammates to cover for him.
Left Central Back

Mark McKenzie

27 years - Toulouse

After impressing with Philadelphia Union, McKenzie has established himself in Europe with spells at Genk and Toulouse. A consistent performer, McKenzie acquitted himself well in March’s loss to Belgium and is comfortable playing on either the left or right side of the defensive unit.
Left Central Back

Auston Trusty

27 years - Celtic

Another former Union defender, Trusty was snapped up by Arsenal in 2022 but failed to make a single Premier League appearance for the team. Now at Celtic, Trusty has worked his way into international contention but has made just two appearances during Pochettino’s 18 months in charge.
Left Central Back

Tristan Blackmon

29 years - Vancouver Whitecaps

A key part of the Vancouver Whitecaps side that shocked the league in 2025, making it all the way to MLS Cup. Blackmon was a rock at the back for the Whitecaps, ending the season as MLS Defender of the Year and named to the Best XI. Has not featured for the national team since starting both international friendlies last September.
Left Central Back

Walker Zimmerman

32 years - Toronto FC

Zimmerman featured for the US in all four games at the 2022 World Cup but will probably be remembered for an unfortunate foul on Gareth Bale that resulted in a late penalty for Wales. Aside from that, Zimmerman has been a reliable performer for the national team and the two-time MLS Defender of the Year still has plenty to give.
Right Central Back

Chris Richards

26 years - Crystal Palace

The reigning US Soccer Player of the Year, Richards has taken his game to new levels in the past 18 months and helped Crystal Palace to an FA Cup triumph last year. The Alabama-born defender is athletic, aggressive and boasts top-level experience, something that other defensive options lack.
Right Central Back

Miles Robinson

29 years - FC Cincinnati

One of few MLS-based players who got regular minutes before Pochettino’s arrival, Robinson has been one of the league’s best defenders over the past decade. A smooth, silky central defender, the Cincinnati star is a two-time MLS All-Star and a commanding physical presence at the back.
Right Central Back

Cameron Carter-Vickers

28 years - Celtic

A dominant presence for Celtic in recent years but an Achilles injury has seen him miss much of the 2025/26 season. Will be hoping to return before the summer but has a lot of work to do to gain a place in the World Cup squad. An experienced winner with four consecutive Scottish Premiership titles in Glasgow.
Right Central Back

Jackson Ragen

27 years - Seattle Sounders

One of the most consistent defenders in MLS, Ragen has quietly become a lynchpin for the Sounders. The 27-year-old is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Seattle and played every minute of the team’s run to a Leagues Cup triumph over Inter Miami last year. Untested at international level, but a solid option as back-up.
Right Central Back

Noahkai Banks

19 years - FC Ausburg

One of the more contentious names around the USMNT roster, Pochettino revealed recently that dual-national Banks may yet declare for Germany at international level. Just 19 years old, Banks has been a regular for Bundesliga side FC Augsburg this season and the 6ft 4in central defender undoubtedly has a big future in the game.
Right Back

Sergiño Dest

25 years - PSV Eindhoven

The former Barcelona star may not quite have lived up to the initial hype but Dest is still a key piece for the US. Probably the best pure defender in his position and a threat in possession with his pace. Able to play at full-back on either side, a useful attribute when compiling a World Cup roster.
Right Back

Alex Freeman

21 years - Villarreal

One of the MLS breakthrough players of 2025, Freeman came from relative obscurity to earn himself international call-ups and a move to LaLiga side Villarreal. Capable of playing at right-back or on the right of a back-three, Pochettino gave him minutes against both Belgium and Portugal last month.
Right Back

Joe Scally

23 years - Borussia Mönchengladbach

Scally has five seasons under his belt as a Bundesliga regular and has been a consistent performer for the national team. Was a part of the USMNT successes in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 CONCACAF Nations League and was in the squad for the 2022 World Cup, despite not making an appearance in Qatar.
Right Back

Shaq Moore

29 years - FC Dallas

The FC Dallas academy product is now back at his boyhood team and playing regularly as he looks to force his way back into the national team picture. Moore was called up for the January friendlies in 2025, when Pochettino selected a squad of entirely US-based players, but has not featured since.
Right Back

Bryan Reynolds

24 years - KVC Westerlo

The 2021 move to Roma did not work out as planned but the Texas-born right-back is now a key player for Belgian side Westerlo. Reynolds was heavily involved in the USMNT squad at the 2023 Gold Cup but has not featured since. Able to play on either flank but lacks elite-level experience.
CDM

Tyler Adams

27 years - Bournemouth

One of the first names on the teamsheet for Pochettino when fit, Adams has suffered a series of injuries in recent years but has returned to play for Bournemouth after missing the March internationals. His energy is infectious and the pressing ability is reminiscent of Pochettino’s best Tottenham team.
CDM

Johnny Cardoso

24 years - Atlético de Madrid

A source of great frustration for USMNT fans, seeing a regular starter for one of the world’s biggest clubs struggle to make an impact on the international stage. His performance against Belgium in the March internationals was one of his best in a US jersey but is yet to show his true potential.
CDM

Tanner Tessmann

24 years - Lyon

Of all the options at Pochettino’s disposal, Tessman might be the truest ‘playmaker’ at the base of the midfield. Impressed during three seasons with Venezia in Italy and is now a regular for Ligue 1 side Lyon, a testament to his quality. Comfortable dropping into defence to build the play, giving Pochettino another tool to help in possession against stronger teams.
CDM

Aidan Morris

24 years - Middlesbrough

A dogged, tenacious midfielder who is also deceptively good on the ball. Morris is more of a ball-winner than the other options in his position and now has two seasons of Championship action with Middlesbrough under his belt. Caught sleeping for Portugal’s second goal in March but broadly played well.
CDM

Gianluca Busio

23 years - Venezia

Rounding out the options for the No. 6 role, Busio is a player in the best form of his life who could still force his way into Pochettino’s plans. The 23-year-old captains Serie B side Venezia and has chipped in with goals and assists this season. Also able to play as a box-to-box midfielder if required.
CM

Cristian Roldan

30 years - Seattle Sounders

The MLS veteran has never been a superstar but his workrate and composure on the ball have seen him rack up 45 caps for the senior national team. A consistent, if unspectacular, option in midfield, Roldan did not look out of place against top opposition in the March friendlies.
CM

Sebastian Berhalter

24 years - Vancouver Whitecaps

Another beneficiary of Pochettino’s MLS focus, Berhalter was deservedly named to the MLS Best XI in 2025 and he has been rewarded with extended opportunities with the national team. Struggled during a substitute appearance against Belgium in March but his set piece delivery could be a real weapon for the US, particularly in tight knockout games.
CM

Luca de la Torre

27 years - Charlotte FC

Given that he was once a LaLiga regular with Celta Vigo, the midfielder’s return to MLS has been a little underwhelming. A single year with San Diego FC was followed by a move to Charlotte, where he has struggled to cement a place in the starting XI. Undoubted quality on the ball but is not always able to impose himself on games.
CM

Jack McGlynn

22 years - Houston Dynamo

Still only 22 years old, McGlynn is a ball-playing midfielder with an eye for the spectacular, as his catalogue of long-range goals proves. Made 12 international appearances in 2025 but was not included in the March squad, suggesting that he has work to do to make the team.
CM

Yunus Musah

22 years - Atlanta

A senior international at 17 and a key figure under Gregg Berhalter, Musah has barely featured for Pochettino. He was one of the US’ breakthrough players at the 2022 World Cup but Musah is now struggling to get minutes for Serie A side Atlanta and he has not played for USMNT since March 2025.
CAM

Weston McKennie

27 years - Juventus

One of relatively few USMNT stars in good form heading into this summer’s tournament. McKennie has reestablished himself in the Juventus starting XI this year, scoring four Champions League goals and earning himself a contract renewal under Luciano Spaletti. An incredibly versatile option, Pochettino opted to deploy McKennie as a roaming attacking midfielder during the March internationals.
CAM

Giovanni Reyna

23 years - Borussia Mönchengladbach

Once tipped as the future of the national team, Reyna’s stock has plummeted after a series of misjudged club moves left him starved of regular minutes. Currently back in the Bundesliga with Mönchengladbach, Reyna has only made four league starts this season but has genuine game-winning quality. Impressed in the November internationals but made brief, unspectacular appearances in March.
CAM

Diego Luna

22 years - Real Salt Lake

One of the revelations of 2025 for USMNT, Pochettino gave Luna a chance in the January training camp and his determination, work ethic and on-ball bravery saw him make 17 appearances across the year. Particularly effective in the Gold Cup, where he provided three goals and two assists, but was forced to miss the March 2026 internationals due to injury.
CAM

Paxten Aaronson

22 years - Colorado Rapids

Moved to Germany at the age of 19 to sign with Eintracht Frankfurt but returned to MLS last year, looking to recapture the form that had made him one of the most talked-about American talents of his generation. His performances with the Colorado Rapids have been good at the start of 2026 but he has work to do to force his way back into the international picture.
CAM

Timothy Tillman

27 years - LAFC

The Bayern Munich academy graduate has only made three senior international appearances but was called up by Pochettino for the triumphant November internationals last year. Played 75 minutes in a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Uruguay and would be an industrious, if unspectacular, back-up to the other attacking midfield options.
Left winger

Malik Tillman

23 years - Bayer Leverkusen

One of the best performers for the US during the March internationals, the Bayer Leverkusen forward combined well with Robinson on the left flank and retained possession well. Hasn’t managed to reproduce the incredible goal-scoring form from his final season with PSV but the rangey forward is still a real threat in front of goal.
Left winger

Brenden Aaronson

25 years - Leeds United

Enjoying a career renaissance with Leeds, proving that he is capable of competing in the hustle and bustle of a Premier League relegation scrap. With 57 international caps to his name Aaronson now has substantial top-level experience and could be a useful option in games against quality opposition.
Left winger

Haji Wright

28 years - Coventry City

Forced to miss the March internationals due to injury, Wright may have slipped down the USMNT pecking order but still has a lot to offer. He is one of the top scorers in the Championship this season and his performances have fired Coventry back to the Premier League for the first time in 25 years. A late bloomer on the international stage, Haji Wright could still have a big impact this summer.
Left winger

Cade Cowell

22 years - New York Red Bulls

The San Jose Earthquakes academy graduate is now back in MLS with the New York Red Bulls after a brief spell in Liga MX. In terms of a wide forwards, Cowell is one of the purest wingers in the USMNT pool, capable of bringing his team up the field with bursts of explosive pace. Yet to feature under Pochettino, he would be a wild card pick for this year’s tournament.
Left winger

Kevin Paredes

22 years - Wolfsberg

A series of injuries have limited his appearances with Wolfsberg this season but Paredes is now back in contention, with a handful of games left to prove his worth to Pochettino. At his best, Paredes is a dynamic and versatile option capable of playing anywhere on the left flank. Had been a Bundesliga regular until his recent fitness issues.
Right winger

Christian Pulisic

27 years - AC Milan

For years, the 2026 World Cup had been billed as Christian Pulisic’s big chance to shine on the international stage. Has enjoyed a career revival at AC Milan, scoring 15+ goals in each of his first two seasons in Italy. His output has dropped off this year but he is still the stand-out offensive star for the US, a talisman and potential difference-maker for this team.
Right winger

Timothy Weah

26 years - Marseille

One of Pochettino’s most-used players, in a variety of positions. Initially a flying winger, Weah has also proved himself to be a quality option at wing-back or right-back in the USMNT’s hybrid back-four/back-three system. A Champions League regular and a reliable performer for the national team, aside from a petulant red card against Panama at the 2024 Copa America.
Right winger

Alejandro Zendejas

28 years - America

The Mexican-American dual national made the switch to USMNT in 2023 but has had few opportunities to establish himself in the national team. After a year away Zenedejas was called up to the squad last September and scored in a 2-0 win over Japan. A 2025 Liga MX All-Star with América, Zendejas offers something different to the other USMNT options on the right.
Right winger

Indiana Vassilev

25 years - Philadelphia Union

Another MLS option that Pochettino could consider as a back-up. Vassilev was signed by Premier League side Aston Villa at the age of 16 but struggled to make a real impact in England. A part of the Philadelphia team that shocked MLS to win the Supporters’ Shield last year, Vassilev is a direct runner who has a reputation for making late arrivals into the penalty box.
Right winger

Cavan Sullivan

25 years - Philadelphia Union

The wildest of all the wild cards. The 16-year-old Manchester City-bound starlet is not yet a guaranteed starter in MLS but his potential is clear. Helped the USMNT U15 team to glory at the 2023 CONCACAF Championship and will likely be a big part of the US senior team in years to come, but this tournament has almost certainly come too soon for the young star.
Forward

Folarin Balogun

24 years - Monaco

Has been Pochettino’s go-to No. 9 whenever available in the last year and started the March friendly against Belgium. His international scoring record is modest but he is the only striking option with a consistent scoring record in the top five European leagues. A good all-round option up front for the US.
Forward

Ricardo Pepi

23 years - PSV Eindhoven

Regularly linked with moves to the Premier League, Pepi has an impressive scoring record with PSV despite rarely featuring as a starter. Has always impressed for USMNT against CONCACAF opposition and his experience in the Netherlands with PSV suggest that he is ready to perform against higher-quality opponents.
Forward

Brian White

30 years - Vancouver Whitecaps

With Patrick Agyemang out of contention due to injury, the US are without a real physical option at No. 9. Although not the tallest, White has shown that he knows how to lead the line on his own and has a commendable scoring record in MLS, hitting 15+ league goals in each of the last three seasons with the Whitecaps.
Forward

Josh Sargent

26 years - Toronto FC

Has Sargent missed his chance for the national team? A regular goalscorer in England with Norwich, Sargent’s 29 international appearances have returned just five goals. Crucially, he has not scored in his last 17 outings for USMNT. Real talent but Sargent’s poor record at international level will count against him for a place in the squad.
Forward

Jordan Morris

31 years - Seattle Sounders

Converted from a flying winger to a central striker with the Seattle Sounders, Morris is tactically savvy and a willing runner. The bustling forward would be an industrious option off the bench for Pochettino and could play anywhere across the front line if required.