AUSTIN — Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has officially announced the 26-man roster tasked with representing the United States on home soil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Drawn into Group D alongside Australia, Paraguay, and Türkiye, the Stars and Stripes aim to leverage a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars to make a deep run in the tournament.
The Core of the Team
The squad is anchored by high-profile stars who have become cornerstones of the U.S. Men’s National Team. AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic returns to the global stage as the primary creative force, while Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie is set to anchor the center of the park.
Despite a challenging club season, Gio Reyna has been included for his unique playmaking abilities, while Folarin Balogun is expected to lead the line as the starting No. 9, supported by the clinical finishing of Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright.
USA 2026 World Cup Squad
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Matt Turner |
| Defenders | Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Joe Scally, Auston Trusty |
| Midfielders | Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Weston McKennie, Cristian Roldan, Brenden Aaronson, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Timothy Weah, Alejandro Zendejas |
| Forwards | Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright |
Tactical Focus and Fitness
Pochettino noted that the selection process was grueling, emphasizing the need for both depth and tactical discipline. A key point of focus will be the fitness of Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards. The 2025 FA Cup winner is currently managing an injury, but staff are optimistic he will be available for the tournament opener on June 12.
"We are confident this is the best group of 26 players to help us achieve success at the World Cup," Pochettino said. "This group is very focused and ready to give everything they have to represent the United States."
Group D Fixtures
The U.S. begins their campaign in Los Angeles, facing off against three nations with diverse styles of play:
• June 12: vs. Paraguay (Los Angeles Stadium)
• June 19: vs. Australia (Seattle Stadium)
• June 25: vs. Türkiye (Los Angeles Stadium)
Note: All squads remain provisional until the final list of 26 players is officially confirmed by FIFA on June 2.
