The group stage is behind us, the stakes have shifted to win-or-go-home, and World Cup fever has officially reached a boiling point. Following an intense opening round of fixtures, it is full steam ahead in North America as the 2026 World Cup knockout stage takes center stage.

For USMNT fans, the safety net of the group stage is officially gone. We are now just a couple of hours away from the Americans’ highly anticipated Round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina, where manager Mauricio Pochettino looks to guide the Stars and Stripes to a historic place in the Round of 16.

While modern squad numbers don’t guarantee a starting spot the way they used to, today’s team sheets will finally reveal who has earned a place in this historic opening XI.

USMNT jersey numbers raise early questions

The USMNT’s jersey numbers throw up a few interesting observations. Matt Freese has been tipped by plenty to be Mauricio Pochettino’s starting goalkeeper, yet Matt Turner has been handed the No. 1 jersey. How much should we read into that?

Despite only playing 34 minutes for the Stars and Stripes in the last year, Ricardo Pepi will wear the No. 9, although Folarin Balogun, No. 20, is surely more likely to start in attack?

Finally, does Alejandro Zendejas being given the No. 26 jersey mean he will be one of Pochettino’s last offensive options from the bench? There is probably enough evidence by now that that is not generally how it works.

World Cup 2026: USMNT squad numbers

1. Matt Turner

2. Sergiño Dest

3. Chris Richards

4. Tyler Adams

5. Antonee Robinson

6. Auston Trusty

7. Gio Reyna

8. Weston McKennie

9. Ricardo Pepi

10. Christian Pulisic

11. Brenden Aaronson

12. Miles Robinson

13. Tim Ream

14. Sebastian Berhalter

15. Cristian Roldan

16. Alex Freeman

17. Malik Tillman

18. Maximilian Arfsten

19. Haji Wright

20. Folarin Balogun

21. Tim Weah

22. Mark McKenzie

23. Joe Scally

24. Matt Freese

25. Chris Brady

26. Alejandro Zendejas

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