Here is everything you need to know about the USMNT 2026 World Cup Roster of 26 players, including the starting XI, key battles, and Pochettino’s tactical blueprint for host nation glory.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just months away, and as co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) enters the tournament with unprecedented home-soil advantage, sky-high expectations, and one of the deepest player pools in program history.
Under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the Stars and Stripes have evolved into a tactically flexible, high-pressing side capable of competing with the world’s best.
With the roster size expanded to 26 players, Pochettino faces tough decisions ahead of the June tournament. The final international window in March—featuring an upcoming 2026 match Schedule that will start against Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta—will likely seal the squad.
As of February 22, 2026, with the MLS season in full swing and European clubs deep into their campaigns, here’s the latest USMNT 2026 World Cup roster, complete with a position-by-position breakdown, predicted starting XI, and expert analysis.
This projection draws from recent performances in the October/November 2025 windows, the 2025 Gold Cup, club form across Europe and MLS, and Pochettino’s clear preference for players delivering consistent minutes, versatility, and fit within his evolving system.
- Note: Injuries, club form shifts, or standout March performances could alter the final 26.
USMNT Path to 2026 World Cup Success
Automatically qualified as hosts, the USMNT landed in Group D alongside Paraguay, Australia, and the winner of UEFA playoff Path C (favorites: Türkiye; others: Romania, Slovakia, Kosovo). Matches include:
USA World Cup 2026 Match Schedule: Group Stage and Beyond
Recent friendlies have highlighted their dominance, with wins over Paraguay and Australia in 2025 and strong performances against Uruguay and others.
| Date | Match | Stadium | Location | Kick-off Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 12, 2026 | USA vs Paraguay | SoFi Stadium | Inglewood, CA | 9:00 PM |
| June 19, 2026 | USA vs Australia | Lumen Field | Seattle, WA | 3:00 PM |
| June 25, 2026 | USA vs UEFA Playoff Winner | SoFi Stadium | Inglewood, CA | 10:00 PM |
Pochettino’s squad looks set to top the group with ease, push through to the knockout stages, and ride the energy of home fans for a deep run—possibly reaching the quarterfinals or further, building on their 2022 Round of 16 finish.
2026 Pre-World Cup Schedule
The USMNT will play four top-notch friendlies in 2026 to wrap up their preparations before the tournament kicks off on June 11, 2026.
| Date | Teams | Venue | Kickoff (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 28, 2026 | USMNT vs Belgium | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | 3:30 PM |
| March 31, 2026 | USMNT vs Portugal | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | 7:00 PM |
| May 31, 2026 | USMNT vs Senegal | Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC | 3:30 PM |
| June 6, 2026 | USMNT vs Germany | Soldier Field, Chicago, IL | 2:30 PM |
Pochettino’s Tactical Evolution: USMNT 2026 World Cup roster
Pochettino began with a 4-2-3-1 but shifted to a fluid 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-3 in late 2025, dubbed a “stroke of genius” by veteran defender Tim Ream. This setup adds defensive solidity (three center-backs), frees wing-backs to bomb forward, and creates overloads in attack with dual No. 10s or a front three.
It suits the USMNT’s athleticism, technical midfielders, and dynamic wingers while addressing past vulnerabilities in transition defense.
The system emphasizes high pressing, quick transitions, set-piece threats, and positional fluidity—perfect for a long tournament on home soil.
Goalkeepers (3)
USMNT Goalkeepers (World Cup 2026 Projection)
| Player | Club | Age | Role | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matt Freese | New York City FC | 27 | First Choice (No. 1) | Dominant in 2025 Gold Cup; excellent shot-stopper and distributor; started last 12+ USMNT matches. |
| Matt Turner | New England Revolution | 31 | Backup | Experienced from 2022 World Cup and Arsenal stint; reliable option with leadership qualities. |
| Patrick Schulte | Columbus Crew | 24 | Third Choice | Strong 2025 form; ball-playing ability and distribution give him edge over competitors. |
Analysis: All three are MLS-based, providing familiarity. Freese’s consistency locks him in; depth here is solid but not elite—Pochettino prioritizes reliability over flash.
Defenders (9)
USMNT Center-Backs (World Cup 2026 Projection)
| Player | Club | Age | Role | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Richards | Crystal Palace | 25 | Starter (Lock) | Future captain; elite 1v1 defending, aerial strength, and progressive passing. |
| Tim Ream | Fulham / Charlotte FC | 38 | Veteran Leader | Composed and experienced; crucial presence in a back three setup. |
| Miles Robinson | FC Cincinnati | 28 | Rotation Option | Athletic defender; strong in duels and dangerous on set pieces. |
| Mark McKenzie | Toulouse | 26 | Squad Player | Consistent Ligue 1 performer; fits both back three and back four systems. |
| Auston Trusty / Noahkai Banks | Celtic / Augsburg | – / 19 | Depth / Emerging Talent | Banks tipped as future starter; strong Bundesliga form and versatility. |
USMNT Fullbacks / Wingbacks (World Cup 2026 Projection)
| Player | Club | Age | Position | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antonee Robinson | Fulham | 28 | Left Wing-Back | World-class option; elite pace, attacking runs, and recovery defending. |
| Sergiño Dest | PSV Eindhoven | 25 | Right Wing-Back | Explosive attacking threat; improved defensive discipline. |
| Alex Freeman | Orlando City | 21 | Right Back / Wing-Back | Rising talent; strong USMNT performances including goals vs Uruguay. |
| Max Arfsten | Columbus Crew | 24 | Left Wing-Back (Backup) | Versatile option; adds depth and flexibility on the left side. |
Missed cut notes: Cameron Carter-Vickers (injury), Joe Scally, Walker Zimmerman, Noahkai Banks (if form dips—though rising fast), John Tolkin.
Analysis: Nine defenders allow rotation for the expanded roster and Pochettino’s fluid system. Richards-Ream core provides stability; wing-backs like Dest and Robinson unlock attacks. Battles at CB and RB remain fierce heading into March.
Midfielders (8)
Midfield is the engine room, blending destroyers, creators, and box-to-box dynamos.
USMNT Midfielders (World Cup 2026 Projection)
| Player | Club | Age | Role | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Adams | Bournemouth | 26 | Defensive Mid / Captain | Captain material with strong leadership, relentless pressing intensity, and impressive recovery ability. |
| Weston McKennie | Juventus | 27 | Box-to-box / No.10 | A versatile midfielder who adds goals, provides assists, and brings a strong work rate. |
| Tanner Tessmann | Lyon | 23 | Central Mid | Excellent passing range and awareness; ideal partner for Adams. |
| Malik Tillman | Bayer Leverkusen | 23 | Attacking Mid | A creative spark that brings flair and an added attacking threat. |
| Aidan Morris | Middlesbrough | 23 | Defensive / Box-to-box | Strong ball recoveries and consistent performances. |
| Brenden Aaronson | Leeds United | 25 | Advanced Mid / Wide | High energy player; improved output with goals and assists. |
| Cristian Roldan | Seattle Sounders | 30 | Central Mid / Leader | Experienced leader; important in transitions and squad depth. |
| Sebastian Berhalter | Vancouver Whitecaps | 23 | Central Mid / Set-piece | Set-piece specialist; strong development in recent seasons. |
Missed cut: Yunus Musah (limited minutes), Gio Reyna (injury/limited impact), Johnny Cardoso, Diego Luna, Luca de la Torre.
Analysis: Depth allows Pochettino to rotate and adapt. Adams anchors; McKennie/Tillman provide goals from midfield. Versatility (e.g., McKennie wide) fits the 3-4-3 perfectly. This group has matured significantly since 2022.
Forwards (6)
Attack boasts star power and depth—key to exceeding group stage expectations.
USMNT Forwards (World Cup 2026 Projection)
| Player | Club | Age | Position | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Pulisic | AC Milan | 27 | Winger / Captain | The team’s talisman boasts elite dribbling, exceptional vision, and clinical finishing in Serie A. |
| Folarin Balogun | Monaco | 24 | Striker (No. 9) | Prolific forward; strong goal record in Ligue 1 and Europe. |
| Tim Weah | Marseille / Juventus | 26 | Winger / Wing-back | Versatile attacker; pace and crossing ability make him dangerous. |
| Haji Wright | Coventry City | 27 | Striker | Physical presence with strong finishing in the Championship. |
| Patrick Agyemang | Derby County | 24 | Striker | A rising talent with impressive physicality, strong hold-up play, and a constant goal threat. |
| Ricardo Pepi | PSV Eindhoven | 23 | Striker | Clinical finisher; strong off-the-ball movement and international impact. |
Missed cut: Josh Sargent (form/transfer issues), Damion Downs.
Analysis: Pulisic leads a potent attack. Balogun edges the striker battle, but Wright/Agyemang/Pepi provide options for different styles. Six forwards ensure depth for a grueling schedule—crucial for home advantage in knockouts.
USMNT Starting XI (3-4-2-1 / 3-4-3 Hybrid)
The USMNT Predicted XI for the 2026 World Cup reflects a balanced mix of European-based stars and rising MLS talent. With Christian Pulisic leading the attack, Tyler Adams anchoring the midfield, and Antonee Robinson providing width from the left, this lineup offers both defensive stability and attacking creativity.
The 4-3-3 formation allows the United States to press aggressively while maintaining structure, making them a dangerous side heading into World Cup 2026.
USMNT Starting XI (World Cup 2026) – Predicted Squad
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
| Position | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Matt Freese | First-choice keeper |
| CB | Chris Richards | Defensive leader |
| CB | Tim Ream | Experience & composure |
| CB | Miles Robinson / McKenzie | Athletic cover option |
| RWB | Sergiño Dest | Attacking width |
| LWB | Antonee Robinson | Elite pace & overlaps |
| CM | Tyler Adams | Defensive anchor |
| CM | Tanner Tessmann | Passing control |
| AM | Christian Pulisic | Creative & goal threat |
| AM | Malik Tillman / McKennie | Creativity vs physicality option |
| ST | Folarin Balogun | Main striker |
- Bench Impact: Freeman, Aaronson, Pepi, Roldan, Arfsten, Schulte, Agyemang.
This XI balances solidity and flair, with wing-backs pushing high and midfield controlling transitions.
Key Battles and Bubble Players Heading into March
- Striker No. 9: Balogun leads, but Pepi’s recovery, Wright’s form, and Agyemang’s physicality keep it open.
- Right Back/Wingback: Dest vs. Freeman/Scally—versatility wins.
- Young Guns: Noahkai Banks (19) could force his way in with continued Bundesliga starts.
- Veterans: Ream’s leadership vs. youth injection.
- Injuries to Watch: Adams, Pulisic (manage load), Pepi, Reyna.
Pochettino has stressed “no one is safe,” but locks like Pulisic, Richards, Freese, Adams (fit), and Ream are near-certain.
Strengths, Challenges, and 2026 World Cup Outlook
- Strengths: Unmatched depth (especially attack/midfield), home crowds, tactical flexibility under Pochettino, and prime-age core (Pulisic 27, Richards 25, etc.). Recent results signal confidence.
- Challenges: Goalkeeper depth, injury management over a long tournament, and adapting to high-pressure home expectations. Group stage winnable, but knockout tests (potential Belgium/Spain) loom.
As hosts, the USMNT targets at least quarterfinals—realistic with this squad. A passionate nation behind them could fuel a Cinderella run akin to 2002 (semifinals) or better.
The March window will provide final clarity. Until then, club form reigns supreme. Pochettino has built something special: a team ready to make history on home soil.