USMNT squad numbers: Who wears what jersey at the 2026 World Cup
What do squad numbers really tell us, if anything?
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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