Everyone is obsessed with the names. You see the same five or six guys on every social media graphic, usually looking intense in a slow-motion training clip. But if you actually look at how Mauricio Pochettino is building this us world cup team roster, the "locks" aren't as locked as you might think.
The reality of the 2026 cycle is messy. It’s glorious, but it’s messy. We’ve got players switching positions, guys moving from Europe back to MLS to find their rhythm, and a manager who basically told the entire "Golden Generation" that their past achievements don't mean much if they aren't fit right now.
The Pochettino Shake-up and Why Experience is Winning
Honestly, the biggest shock since Pochettino took over isn't a new tactical formation. It’s the vibe shift. He isn't just looking for the youngest, fastest kids at big European clubs. He wants guys who can handle the pressure of a home World Cup.
Look at Tim Ream. The man is 37 years old. In "soccer years," that’s ancient. Yet, he’s still essentially the first name on the team sheet for the defense. Why? Because the younger center-backs have been inconsistent. Ream's move to Charlotte FC didn't slow him down; it just made him more available. He brings a calmness that you simply can't teach a 21-year-old in a three-week training camp.
Then you have the Chris Richards situation. He was recently voted the 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year. He's finally healthy and playing consistently for Crystal Palace. When you look at the us world cup team roster, Richards and Ream are currently the foundation. If that partnership breaks, the whole thing might just collapse under the weight of the expectations.
The Goalkeeper War: It’s Not Who You Think
For a decade, we didn't even have to ask who the keeper was. It was Tim Howard, then it was Brad Guzan, then it was Matt Turner. But the script has flipped.
Turner’s move back to the New England Revolution (on loan from Lyon) was a massive signal. He needs minutes. He needs the "sharpness," as the experts like to call it. Meanwhile, Matt Freese has quietly become the preferred option in many recent windows.
- Matt Freese: Currently the projected No. 1. He was solid in the Gold Cup and hasn't looked back.
- Matt Turner: The veteran fighting to prove his European stint didn't leave too much rust.
- Patrick Schulte: The young gun from Columbus Crew who is breathing down everyone's neck.
It’s a genuine headache for the coaching staff. You've got Roman Celentano and Jonathan Klinsmann also in the mix, but for a 26-man tournament roster, those top three feel like the likely trio unless someone has a disastrous spring season.
Midfield Versatility: The Berhalter and Luna Effect
Let’s talk about the names that weren't even on the radar two years ago. Diego Luna and Sebastian Berhalter.
Luna has basically become Pochettino’s "right-hand man" on the pitch. He isn't the fastest player, but his vision is different. He sees passes that the more athletic midfielders miss. He’s already scored against Uruguay, proving he can do it against the big teams.
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Sebastian Berhalter is another wild one. His set-piece delivery is arguably the best in the entire pool right now. In a tight World Cup game, a guy who can put a corner exactly on a striker's head is worth his weight in gold. Even if he doesn't start, he’s the kind of specialist you bring off the bench when you’re down 1-0 in the 80th minute.
Then there is Malik Tillman. Since his move to Bayer Leverkusen, he’s evolved. He’s no longer just a "prospect." He’s a regular in one of the best teams in the world. For the USMNT, he’s looking to finally grab a starting role away from the old guard.
What happened to the "MMA" Midfield?
The trio of McKennie, Musah, and Adams—affectionately called the "MMA" midfield—was the heart of the 2022 team. Now? It’s complicated.
Tyler Adams has been battling injuries for what feels like forever. He’s a leader, but you can’t lead from the training room. Weston McKennie is still a force at Juventus, but there have been whispers from the coaching staff about "taking national duty seriously enough."
Yunus Musah is the biggest question mark. His move to Atalanta hasn't gone perfectly, and he’s struggled to stay in the starting XI. Pochettino isn't a "loyalty" coach. If you aren't playing for your club, you’re on the bubble. It's that simple.
The Attack: Pulisic, Pepi, and the No. 9 Battle
Christian Pulisic is the captain. He's the star. He's the only player who is truly "untouchable" on the us world cup team roster. His form at AC Milan has been blistering, and Pochettino even let him skip the Gold Cup just to make sure he didn't burn out.
But who plays next to him?
- Ricardo Pepi: He’s got that "chip on his shoulder." He was left out in 2022, and he’s been scoring for fun at PSV to make sure it doesn't happen again.
- Folarin Balogun: The Monaco striker is probably the most talented pure finisher we have, but injuries have kept him from playing under Pochettino as much as we'd like.
- Haji Wright: Versatile. He can play the wing or the center. He’s been flying with Coventry City, and his ability to stretch defenses is a tactical "cheat code."
- Tim Weah: Now at Marseille. He can play right wing or even wing-back. He might not be an every-game starter anymore, but he is a lock for the 26-man squad because he can do so many different jobs.
There’s also Patrick Agyemang, who has been scoring in the Championship for Derby County. He’s the "form" pick. If he keeps scoring, someone like Josh Sargent—who hasn't scored a national team goal in ages—might actually find himself watching the World Cup from his couch.
Why the 26-Man Roster Size Matters
The jump from 23 to 26 players is a gift for a manager like Pochettino. It allows him to take "project" players or specialists.
Think about Alex Freeman. He came out of nowhere from Orlando City. He’s a two-way wing-back who has been "knocking on the door" of the starting lineup. In a 23-man roster, you might leave him at home for a more experienced defender. In a 26-man roster, you take him because he provides a different energy.
The same goes for Noahkai Banks. He’s a young defender at Augsburg who hasn't even been capped yet, but Pochettino has talked him up. He’s the "youth wild card."
Actionable Steps for the 2026 Build-up
If you're trying to keep track of how the us world cup team roster is actually going to look when the tournament kicks off in June, stop looking at the FIFA rankings and start looking at these three things:
Monitor Club Minutes (February – May 2026)
Pochettino has made it clear: if you aren't playing, you aren't coming. Watch guys like Yunus Musah (Atalanta) and Johnny Cardoso (Atletico Madrid). If they remain on the bench through April, expect them to be the "shock omissions" from the final list.
Watch the "Send-off" Friendlies
The USMNT has huge friendlies scheduled against Belgium (March 28) and Portugal (March 31) in Atlanta. These aren't just exhibitions. These are the final auditions. If a player like Diego Luna or Tanner Tessmann starts both of these games, they aren't just squad players anymore—they are part of the core.
Focus on the Back Three Versatility
The US has been experimenting with a back three. This means players like Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty have a massive advantage because they are comfortable in multiple defensive systems. Their "tactical flexibility" is more important than their individual star power.
The final roster won't be announced until just before the tournament, but the blueprint is already there. It’s a mix of aging veterans who provide the "mental floor" and hungry MLS-based youngsters who provide the "athletic ceiling." It’s not the team people expected four years ago, but it’s the team that actually fits the way Pochettino wants to play.
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Keep an eye on the injury reports for Cameron Carter-Vickers and Antonee Robinson. Their fitness in early 2026 will be the final piece of the puzzle for a defense that still feels like it’s one mistake away from a crisis.