The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) has unveiled its 26-man squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, with Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie set to lead the charge. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed optimism about the team's potential for a successful tournament on home soil.

Squad Composition

The roster features a balanced mix of experience and youth, comprising 13 players who made their World Cup debuts and 13 who participated in the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where the US advanced to the Round of 16. Among those returning are the team's three goal scorers from Qatar: Pulisic, Tim Weah, and Haji Wright.

Pochettino stated, “We are confident this is the best group of 26 players to help us achieve success at the World Cup.” He acknowledged the tough decisions involved in finalizing the squad and expressed gratitude to all players who contributed to the selection process. The coach emphasized the team's focus and readiness to perform well and make the nation proud.

Key Players and Notable Omissions

Pulisic, currently with AC Milan, remains the standout player for the team, while Adams, who captained the squad in 2022, brings a strong midfield presence following his season with Premier League club Bournemouth. Folarin Balogun, a striker for AS Monaco, is anticipated to play a crucial role in the attack, particularly in Pochettino’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.

Gio Reyna has been included in the squad despite limited playing time at Borussia Moenchengladbach, adding another creative option to the attack. Alejandro Zendejas has also made the roster after a strong finish to the season with Club America, having previously been omitted in March. Notably, Diego Luna, who is sidelined due to injury, and Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann were left out of the squad.

The US will cohost the tournament alongside Mexico and Canada, marking the first time the country has hosted the World Cup since 1994. McKennie highlighted the opportunity for the squad to inspire a new generation of American soccer fans, stating, “It’s a great opportunity for everyone on the roster and also for the fans who maybe don’t know a lot about soccer here.”