United States men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino officially confirmed his 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, finalising the group that will represent the host nation during the country’s first home men’s World Cup since 1994. The squad was unveiled during a live televised event from The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City, with US Soccer turning the announcement into a major fan-focused production broadcast nationally on FOX. American football legends and FOX Sports broadcasters including Alexi Lalas, Stu Holden, Carli Lloyd, Rob Stone, Jenny Taft and Landon Donovan participated in the hour-long event as anticipation continues building around the tournament across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Pochettino’s final selection was headlined by established stars Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, all of whom were part of the United States squad that reached the round of 16 during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Overall, 13 players from the 2022 World Cup squad retained their places for this summer’s tournament, while the remaining 13 players will participate at a FIFA World Cup for the first time in their careers. “We are confident this is the best group of 26 players to help us achieve success at the World Cup,” Pochettino said in a US Soccer release. “These were very difficult decisions, and we are thankful to all the players who were part of this journey. This group is very focused and ready to give everything they have to represent the United States and deliver performances that will make the fans and the country proud.”
Pochettino prepares for first major tournament as USMNT manager
The former Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea manager took charge of the United States in September 2024 after Gregg Berhalter was dismissed following inconsistent performances during his second spell in charge. The Argentine coach has overseen 24 matches so far, recording 13 victories, two draws and nine defeats heading into the tournament. Pochettino now faces the challenge of guiding the United States toward its deepest World Cup run since the quarter-final appearance at the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan. The Americans failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup before returning in 2022, where they reached the knockout stages before suffering a 3-1 defeat against the Netherlands in the round of 16. This year’s tournament also carries historic significance for the United States, which is hosting the men’s FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1994. During that tournament, the Americans also reached the round of 16 before losing 1-0 to eventual champions Brazil.
Christian Pulisic leads experienced attacking group
AC Milan star Christian Pulisic once again headlines the American attack after continuing his strong club form in Italy. Pulisic enters the tournament with 32 goals in 84 appearances for the national team and remains one of the most important figures within Pochettino’s squad. Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and Bournemouth captain Tyler Adams also return as key leaders for the United States heading into another major international competition. Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Gio Reyna retained his place despite limited club minutes in recent months, while Monaco striker Folarin Balogun prepares for his first FIFA World Cup appearance after switching international allegiance to the United States in 2023. The attacking group additionally includes Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson, Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Malik Tillman, Marseille winger Tim Weah and Club América attacker Alejandro Zendejas. PSV Eindhoven striker Ricardo Pepi and Coventry City forward Haji Wright complete Pochettino’s striker options.
Tim Ream closes in on major United States record
Veteran defender Tim Ream was included in the squad at 38 years old and could make American World Cup history during the group stage. If Ream features against Paraguay in the opening match, he would become the oldest player ever to appear for the United States at a FIFA World Cup at 38 years and 250 days old. The current record belongs to Fernando Clavijo, who played at 37 years and 162 days old. The oldest player ever named to a United States World Cup roster remains Frank Moniz, who was selected for the 1950 tournament at 38 years and 272 days old. Ream’s inclusion also adds vital tournament experience to a defensive unit featuring Fulham full-back Antonee Robinson, Crystal Palace centre-back Chris Richards and PSV Eindhoven defender Sergiño Dest.
Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann among notable omissions
While the overall squad largely matched reports leaked across several major outlets before the official reveal, there were still several notable omissions from the final roster. Real Salt Lake playmaker Diego Luna and midfielder Tanner Tessmann were both left out despite recent speculation surrounding their possible inclusion. The roster itself will not become formally official until submitted to FIFA before the June 1 deadline. Once submitted, injured players can still be replaced up to 24 hours before the United States opens its World Cup campaign against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California.
One of the youngest World Cup squads in United States history
The final 26-player squad holds an average age of 26 years and 332 days on the date of the opening group-stage match. That makes the 2026 squad the fifth-youngest United States team ever sent to a FIFA World Cup. The youthful balance within the squad reflects the broader generational shift that has taken place inside American football over recent years as several younger players established themselves across top European leagues.
Full United States 2026 FIFA World Cup squad
Goalkeepers
Chris Brady (Chicago Fire, 0 caps/0 goals) Matt Freese (New York City FC, 14/0) Matt Turner (New England Revolution, 53/0)
Defenders
Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew, 18/1) Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven, 37/2) Alex Freeman (Villarreal, 15/2) Mark McKenzie (Toulouse, 27/0) Tim Ream (Charlotte FC, 80/1) Chris Richards (Crystal Palace, 36/3) Antonee Robinson (Fulham, 52/4) Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati, 38/3) Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach, 24/0) Auston Trusty (Celtic, 6/0)
Midfielders
Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth, 52/2) Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps, 11/1) Weston McKennie (Juventus, 64/12) Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders, 45/0)
Attacking midfielders and wingers
Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United, 57/9) Christian Pulisic (AC Milan, 84/32) Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach, 36/9) Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen, 28/3) Tim Weah (Marseille, 49/7) Alejandro Zendejas (Club América, 13/2)
Strikers
Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco, 25/8) Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven, 35/13) Haji Wright (Coventry City, 20/7)
Group-stage schedule and final preparations confirmed
The United States has been drawn into Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye. Pochettino’s side opens the tournament against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The Americans will then face Australia in Seattle on June 19 before returning to SoFi Stadium for the final group-stage match against Türkiye on June 25. Before the tournament officially begins, the squad will immediately travel to the Arthur M. Blank National Training Center in Fayette County, Georgia, to continue final preparations. The United States will play two final warm-up matches before the World Cup, beginning against Senegal on May 31 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Pochettino’s team will then face four-time world champions Germany on June 6 in Chicago, Illinois, before opening the World Cup on home soil six days later.
