USMNT Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino Names 26-Player Roster for 2026 FIFA World Cup
On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino officially announced the 26-player roster set to represent the United States at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The announcement, held in New York City, marks a pivotal moment for the squad as they prepare to compete on home soil for the first time since 1994.
The Path to the 2026 World Cup
The U.S. Soccer Federation has emphasized the significance of this tournament, noting that the team is preparing to capitalize on home-field advantage. Following the roster reveal, the squad is scheduled to transition to the newly opened U.S. Soccer National Training Center outside of Atlanta to begin final preparations.
The road to the opening match includes two high-profile tune-up fixtures. The team will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, to face Senegal on May 31, followed by a match against Germany in Chicago on June 6. The U.S. Will then head to Los Angeles to finalize preparations for their World Cup opener against Paraguay, scheduled for June 12.
2026 USMNT World Cup Roster
The selected 26-player roster features a mix of experienced international veterans and emerging talent. Per the official U.S. Soccer announcement, the roster is as follows:
Goalkeepers
- Chris Brady
- Matt Freese
- Matt Turner
Defenders
- Max Arfsten
- Sergiño Dest
- Alex Freeman
- Mark McKenzie
- Tim Ream
- Chris Richards
- Antonee Robinson
- Miles Robinson
- Joe Scally
- Auston Trusty
Midfielders
- Tyler Adams
- Sebastian Berhalter
- Weston McKennie
- Gio Reyna
- Cristian Roldan
- Malik Tillman
- Brenden Aaronson
Forwards
- Folarin Balogun
- Ricardo Pepi
Key Takeaways and Looking Ahead
As the team gears up for the tournament, the atmosphere surrounding the squad remains high. David Wright, Chief Commercial Officer at U.S. Soccer, noted the growing energy around the team, stating, “You can feel the energy building around this team, and fans want to be part of that. This event is about more than just unveiling a roster. It’s about channeling that energy and bringing people together behind the group heading into the World Cup.”
With the roster now public, the focus shifts entirely to the training pitch. The 2026 FIFA World Cup represents a unique opportunity for the U.S. Team to leave a lasting impact on the sport’s domestic history as they represent the nation in a tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Quick Facts
- Head Coach: Mauricio Pochettino
- Tournament Dates: June 2026
- Opening Match: June 12 vs. Paraguay (Los Angeles)
- Training Location: U.S. Soccer National Training Center, Atlanta