US FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad Announced as Mauricio Pochettino Named 26 Players

United States men's national soccer team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has finalised his 26-player roster for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, with the US fifa world cup squad set to be officially presented in New York on Tuesday.

The selection includes several established names alongside a large group of first-time World Cup participants. Thirteen players in the squad are preparing for their debut appearance at the tournament, while senior figures such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams retained their places as expected.

Among the notable decisions in the US world cup squad announced by Pochettino was the inclusion of Gio Reyna, who has not started a club match since December. Despite limited recent minutes at club level, the coaching staff opted to keep the attacking midfielder in the squad because of his technical ability and creativity in advanced positions.

Zendejas Earns Place After Strong Club Form

Alejandro Zendejas also secured a place following a productive finish to the season with Club América. The winger contributed four goals and two assists across his final five matches, strengthening his case ahead of the final squad selection.

His inclusion meant there was no room for Diego Luna, while midfielder Tanner Tessmann missed out because of fitness concerns linked to a recent muscle problem.

The squad also includes defenders Joe Scally and Sergiño Dest, while the attacking unit will feature Tim Weah, Brenden Aaronson and Malik Tillman alongside Pulisic and Reyna.

Opening Match Against Paraguay

The United States will begin their World Cup campaign against the Paraguay national football team on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in California.

In attack, Pochettino selected Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright as his centre-forward options for the tournament.

Goalkeeper Matt Turner, defenders Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson, and midfielder McKennie are among the more experienced players expected to form the core of the starting lineup during the competition.

US FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad:

Goalkeepers: 

Chris Brady, Matt Freese, Matt Turner

Defenders: 

Max Arfsten, Sergiño 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

Midfielders/Wingers: 

Brenden Aaronson, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, Alejandro Zendejas 

Strikers: 

Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright