Key Takeaways
- Mauricio Pochettino will announce his final 26-player USA squad on 26 May for the home World Cup.
- Matt Freese looks set to start in goal, while Sergino Dest and Antonee Robinson should feature in defence.
- Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun are likely to lead the attack in a 3-4-2-1 formation.
The wait is almost over. In one month, Mauricio Pochettino will reveal the United States men’s national team squad for the 2026 World Cup. The announcement on 26 May will end months of speculation.
The chosen players will face Senegal on 31 May in Charlotte and Germany on 6 June in Chicago. These matches will serve as final preparation before the tournament begins. The USA will open their campaign against Paraguay on 12 June.
Some players will celebrate. Others will face disappointment. Those who miss the cut will learn their fate when the rest of the world does.
Goalkeeper
Matt Freese appears to be Pochettino’s first choice. The New York City FC keeper has impressed the coach since last summer. He started in the recent friendly loss to Portugal. While goalkeeper may not be the team’s strongest position, Freese has earned the role. Matt Turner and Chris Brady should also make the squad as back-ups.
Defence
Sergino Dest is the natural choice for the right side if he recovers from his hamstring injury. The PSV Eindhoven defender offers attacking quality that Tim Weah, Alex Freeman and Joe Scally cannot match. His creativity will help solve the team’s problems in open play.
Alex Freeman has settled well at Villarreal since joining from Orlando City in January. He played well against Portugal in March. With his height, defensive skill and comfort on the ball, he suits the right-sided centre-back role.
Chris Richards is certain to start. The Crystal Palace defender is arguably the team’s best centre-back. He is reliable with the ball and dangerous at set pieces. This will be his first World Cup.
Auston Trusty could start ahead of Tim Ream. The Celtic defender has looked solid against Uruguay and Portugal. At 27, he offers more mobility than Ream without losing quality in possession. His left foot also helps with distribution.
Antonee Robinson remains the clear choice at left wing-back. The Fulham player covers the entire flank with his energy. Max Arfsten struggled when he replaced Robinson against Belgium, showing how important the regular starter is.
Midfield
Tyler Adams has returned from injury and plays for Bournemouth in the Premier League. His ability to cover ground is world-class. He will protect the defence throughout the tournament.
Johnny Cardoso impressed against Belgium in March. The Atletico Madrid midfielder brings experience and defensive toughness. Diego Simeone trusts him, and Pochettino likely will too.
Weston McKennie is having his best season in Europe with Juventus. He is essential to the starting eleven. While he might play deeper in some matches, Pochettino usually uses him in advanced positions.
Tanner Tessmann, Cristian Roldan and Sebastian Berhalter should complete the midfield group.
Attack
Christian Pulisic has not scored for his country recently, but he remains vital. The AC Milan winger is valuable in big moments. Pochettino even tried him as a striker against Portugal to build his confidence.
Folarin Balogun will lead the line. The AS Monaco forward has been in excellent form in Ligue 1. He can hold up the ball, run behind defences and help defensively. He has become the first-choice striker.
Malik Tillman, Tim Weah, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright, Gio Reyna and Diego Luna should also travel as attacking options.
Predicted 26-Man Squad:
Goalkeepers (3): Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution), Chris Brady (Chicago Fire)
Defenders (9): Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Auston Trusty (Celtic), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
Midfielders (6): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Johnny Cardoso (Atletico Madrid), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Tanner Tessmann (Olympique Lyonnais), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Forwards (8): Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Tim Weah (Olympique de Marseille), Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Haji Wright (Coventry City), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)