Pochettino Unveils 26-Man USMNT Roster for 2026 World Cup: Key Players and Surprises
Mauricio Pochettino has officially named his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The pressure mounts on the host nation, particularly for Pochettino, who faced tough decisions in finalizing the roster. Notably, Diego Luna misses out, while Gio Reyna and Alex Zendejas make the cut. Roster Highlights: Goalkeepers: - Chris Brady (Chicago Fire) - Matt Freese (New York City FC) - Matt Turner (New England Revolution) Defenders: - Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven) - Antonee Robinson (Fulham) - Tim Ream (Charlotte FC) - Chris Richards (Crystal Palace) - Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati) - Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach) Midfielders: - Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth) - Weston McKennie (Juventus) - Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach) - Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen) Forwards: - Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) - Folarin Balogun (Monaco) - Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven) - Haji Wright (Coventry City) Key Takeaways: Tyler Adams stands out as the sole defensive midfielder, following the absence of Tanner Tessmann and Aidan Morris. The roster features a significant defensive lineup with 10 defenders included. Gio Reyna, amid injury concerns, expressed his eagerness to contribute to the team. Christian Pulisic, despite a goal drought, remains a pivotal figure for the squad. Pochettino's selection reflects a blend of experienced players and rising talents, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling World Cup campaign for the USMNT.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-05-26