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Inside the 2026 USMNT World Cup Roster

2 weeks ago 0

The U.S. Men’s National Team, composed of 26 players, is set to play in the 2026 World Cup. Their journey to the tournament has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. Here, we delve into the key players who make up this year’s team.

Forwards

Christian Pulisic

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Age: 27
Hometown: Hershey, Pa.
Club team: AC Milan (Serie A)

Christian Pulisic has long been in the spotlight of American soccer, consistently proving his skill. He is currently the top goalscorer for the USMNT with 33 goals from 86 appearances. Despite a recent goal-scoring drought, he’s ready for the World Cup, showing strong form after his goal against Senegal.

Folarin Balogun

Rating: ⭐⭐
Age: 24
Hometown: London, England
Club team: AS Monaco (Ligue 1)

Folarin Balogun opted to play for the U.S. in 2023, proving his worth by scoring multiple goals early in his international career. He’s heading into the World Cup with confidence after a successful season at Monaco.

Ricardo Pepi

Rating: ⭐⭐
Age: 23
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Club team: PSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie)

Ricardo Pepi, a Mexican-American dual-national, shone with PSV this season, netting 19 goals. His chemistry with Pulisic is promising as the U.S. team prepares for their World Cup matches.

Timothy Weah

Rating:
Age: 26
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Club team: Olympique de Marseille (Ligue 1)

Timothy Weah, son of legendary soccer player George Weah, is expected to be an active substitute. His international career includes highs like a World Cup goal in 2022 and setbacks like his red card in Copa America 2024.

Alejandro Zendejas

Rating:
Age: 28
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Club team: Club América (Liga MX)

Alejandro Zendejas brings his talents from Club América to the U.S. team. While he might not start, his skills make him an intriguing option off the bench.

Haji Wright

Age: 28
Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
Club team: Coventry City (Premier League)

Haji Wright contributed significantly to Coventry City’s promotion to the Premier League. While he scored in the 2022 World Cup, he faces tough competition for playtime in this tournament.

Brenden Aaronson

Age: 25
Hometown: Medford, N.J.
Club team: Leeds United (Premier League)

Brenden Aaronson, dubbed the “Medford Messi,” had a standout year in 2024-25 with Leeds. Expect him to provide energy from the bench.

Midfielders

Tyler Adams

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Age: 27
Hometown: Wappingers Falls, N.Y.
Club team: AFC Bournemouth (Premier League)

Tyler Adams plays a vital role for the USMNT. Named captain at the 2022 World Cup, his leadership and resilience anchor the midfield.

Weston McKennie

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Age: 27
Hometown: Little Elm, Texas
Club team: Juventus (Serie A)

Weston McKennie is central to the USMNT’s midfield strategy. Known for his versatility, McKennie remains a mainstay of the starting lineup.

Malik Tillman

Rating: ⭐⭐
Age: 24
Hometown: Furth, Germany
Club team: Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)

Malik Tillman has impressed with his growth as an attacking midfielder. His strategic play has earned him a valuable role on the team.

Sebastian Berhalter

Rating: ⭐⭐
Age: 25
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Club team: Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)

Sebastian Berhalter, son of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter, is known for his precise set-piece deliveries, bringing his own competitive edge to the team.

Gio Reyna

Rating: ⭐⭐
Age: 23
Hometown: Bedford, N.Y.
Club team: Borussia Mönchengladbach (Bundesliga)

Gio Reyna is enigmatic on and off the field. Despite past drama, his creativity and potential continue to mark his place in the team.

Cristian Roldan

Age: 31
Hometown: Pico Rivera, Calif.
Club team: Seattle Sounders (MLS)

Cristian Roldan provides stability and experience. A supportive role off the field complements his part-time on-field contributions.

Defenders

Chris Richards

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Age: 26
Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.
Club team: Crystal Palace (Premier League)

Chris Richards is viewed as a cornerstone of the U.S. defense, poised to return strong after an ankle injury.

Antonee “Jedi” Robinson

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Age: 28
Hometown: Liverpool, England
Club team: Fulham FC (Premier League)

Antonee Robinson overcame injury setbacks to become a standout player. Known for his left-back prowess, Robinson is back in form and ready to shine.

Tim Ream

Rating: ⭐⭐
Age: 38
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
Club team: Charlotte FC (MLS)

Tim Ream, the oldest squad member, brings leadership and experience. As captain, he will likely start and provide guidance to his teammates.

Sergiño Dest

Rating: ⭐⭐
Age: 25
Hometown: Almere, Netherlands
Club team: PSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie)

Sergiño Dest looks set to play a crucial role. His defensive skill and international background are significant assets for the team.

Alex Freeman

Rating: ⭐⭐
Age: 21
Hometown: Plantation, Fla.
Club team: Villarreal CF (La Liga)

Alex Freeman’s versatility has quickly made him an integral part of the USMNT defense. Expect him to make an impact on the right side.

Mark McKenzie

Rating:
Age: 27
Hometown: New York, N.Y.
Club team: Toulouse FC (Ligue 1)

Mark McKenzie has gained traction under coach Pochettino. Look for him to provide defensive depth as a substitute.

Miles Robinson

Rating:
Age: 29
Hometown: Arlington, Mass.
Club team: FC Cincinnati (MLS)

Miles Robinson makes his return to the World Cup after missing out in 2022 due to injury. Expect him to contribute defensively as needed.

Auston Trusty

Age: 27
Hometown: Media, Penn.
Club team: Celtic FC (Scottish Premiership)

Auston Trusty has shown promise in 2026. His journey from the Philadelphia Union Academy to Europe has been marked by determination.

Joe Scally

Age: 23
Hometown: Lake Grove, N.Y.
Club team: Borussia Mönchengladbach (Bundesliga)

Joe Scally returns to the World Cup with hopes of playing time. An attack-minded fullback, Scally has been steady at club level.

Max Arfsten

Age: 25
Hometown: Fresno, Calif.
Club team: Columbus Crew (MLS)

Max Arfsten, the Fresno native, showcases adaptability and drive. He expects to see the field and make his mark in World Cup play.

Goalkeepers

Matt Freese

Rating: ⭐⭐
Age: 27
Hometown: Wayne, Pa.
Club team: New York City FC (MLS)

Matt Freese emerged as the top contender for goalkeeper, showing consistency and skill. His performance in last year’s Gold Cup stands out.

Matt Turner

Rating:
Age: 31
Hometown: Park Ridge, N.J.
Club team: New England Revolution (MLS)

Matt Turner has a unique path to goaltending. His late start did not hinder his progress, becoming a national team regular and recording clean sheets in 2022.

Chris Brady

Age: 22
Hometown: Naperville, Ill.
Club team: Chicago Fire FC (MLS)

Chris Brady has been a reliable goalkeeper in the MLS. Despite his strong domestic form, he remains the third option for the national team.

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