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United States Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has officially announced his 26-player squad for the upcoming World Cup, with U.S. Soccer revealing the final list at an event in New York on Tuesday. The lineup includes key names such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams, while notable omissions include Diego Luna, Tanner Tessmann, and Aidan Morris.

The roster revealed

The composition of the USMNT squad had already generated widespread discussion over the weekend, with the Guardian disclosing the entire list on Saturday. Those reports were confirmed when Pochettino formally released the squad in New York. The group includes 13 players returning from the 2022 World Cup, eight of whom were consistent starters across all four matches. Additionally, 13 players will experience the World Cup stage for the first time.

However, the final list will not be officially confirmed until it is submitted to FIFA by the June 1 deadline. Teams are permitted to make substitutions up to 24 hours before their first group-stage fixture, allowing room for last-minute adjustments if required.

Full squad list

Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)

Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergino Dest (PSV), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic)

Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Gio Reyna (Borussia Monchengladbach), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Tim Weah (Marseille), Alejandro Zendejas (Club America)

Forwards: Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV), Haji Wright (Coventry City)

What Pochettino said

“We believe this is the strongest group of 26 players to help us pursue success at the World Cup,” Pochettino stated. “Making these decisions was incredibly tough, and we truly appreciate every player who has been part of this process. This team is determined, united, and ready to give everything they have to represent the United States and make both the supporters and the country proud.”

Numbers behind the team

Since taking charge in the autumn of 2024, Pochettino has worked with a total of 61 players, but only 26 could ultimately secure their spots. Among those left out were Diego Luna, Tanner Tessmann, and Aidan Morris, along with dual-national Noahkai Banks, who previously withdrew from the March squad to contemplate his international allegiance. Zavier Gozo and Julian Hall made strong late impressions in Major League Soccer but did not make the final cut.

Out of the chosen 26, 21 have already lifted silverware with the national side, having won either the CONCACAF Nations League or the Gold Cup. The squad’s average age is just under 27, making it the fifth-youngest U.S. team ever to compete in a World Cup. Seven players within the roster earned their first international caps during the current cycle, including Sebastian Berhalter, Alex Freeman, and Matt Freese, all of whom debuted in friendly matches preceding last year’s Gold Cup.

What’s next?

Following Tuesday’s confirmation, the squad will assemble in Atlanta for pre-tournament training. The preparation phase includes two friendly matches — one against Senegal and another against Germany — before the World Cup campaign officially begins on June 12 with a group-stage clash against Paraguay.