Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie have been named to spearhead the United States’ push at the World Cup after head coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed a 26-man squad for the tournament, which the Americans are aiming to make a meaningful run in on home soil.
The roster is split evenly, featuring 13 players making their World Cup debuts and 13 who were part of the squad in Qatar in 2022, when the U.S. reached the Round of 16. Among the Qatar group’s most important contributors were the three American scorers from that tournament—Pulisic, Tim Weah and Haji Wright—who all find places in the new selection.
“We are confident this is the best group of 26 players to help us achieve success at the World Cup,” Pochettino said in a statement.
“These were very difficult decisions, and we are thankful to all the players who were part of this journey. This group is very focused and ready to give everything they have to represent the United States and deliver performances that will make the fans and the country proud.”
Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan, is still the most widely recognised figure in the squad. Adams, captain of the 2022 team, is expected to bring a tough, flexible edge in midfield after spending his most recent campaign with Premier League club Bournemouth.
Up front, AS Monaco striker Folarin Balogun is viewed as the leading candidate for a primary role if the U.S. adopts Pochettino’s favoured 3-4-2-1 structure, with the attacker potentially emerging as one of the summer’s key figures for goals and chances.
Gio Reyna also makes the squad despite having limited minutes for Borussia Moenchengladbach this season, adding another creative option to the U.S. attacking mix. Alejandro Zendejas, meanwhile, secured his spot following a strong end to the campaign with Liga MX side Club America after he was left out of the roster in March.
Not all of the story is about new faces, though. Notable absences include Diego Luna, who has been sidelined with an injury, and Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann.
The World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States alongside Mexico and Canada, and it will be the first time the U.S. has staged football’s global showpiece since 1994.
McKennie said the squad’s selection represents a chance to energise supporters and help broaden interest in the sport across the country.
“It’s a great opportunity for everyone on the roster and also for the fans who maybe don’t know a lot about soccer here in America to feel the passion,” he said at a squad reveal event in Manhattan.
“I hope that we can make people fall in love with the game here and maybe be able to etch our names in the history books.”
U.S. fixtures
- The United States begin their Group D campaign against Paraguay on June 12 at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles.
