USMNT unveils 2026 World Cup roster under coach Mauricio Pochettino

Coach Mauricio Pochettino has announced the United States men’s national team squad for the 2026 World Cup on home soil. The 26‑player roster includes goalkeepers Matt Turner, Matt Freese and Chris Brady; a defensive line of Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty and Miles Robinson; fullbacks Antonee Robinson, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Joe Scally and Max Arfsten. Midfield options feature Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Cristian Roldan and Sebastian Berhalter, while the attacking unit adds Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Malik Tillman, Gio Reyna, Brenden Aaronson and Alejandro Zendejas. The forward line pairs Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright. Pochettino, appointed in 2024 after a spell at Chelsea, emphasised a blend of experience and youth and hinted at tactical flexibility, noting past switches between a back‑three and a 4‑2‑3‑1. He remarked, “Belgium and Portugal have, in the top 100 players, [a] few or some players in that top 100. I think we don’t have [any],” after a recent loss, underscoring the challenge of competing with elite nations. The coach is expected to return to club management after the tournament.