Pochettino Names 26-Man USMNT World Cup Squad With Freese at No. 1
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 26
Pochettino Names 26-Man USMNT World Cup Squad With Freese at No. 1
8 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 26
Matt Freese is set to start in goal for the United States after overtaking 2022 starter Matt Turner, making the 27-year-old one of the biggest calls in Pochettino’s 26-man squad.
Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, Antonee Robinson, Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic form the spine of a roster built around the 2022 core, with Sergiño Dest also back after a hamstring injury.
The squad still carries clear risks: Richards is returning from an ankle sprain, captain Tim Ream is 38, left-back depth is thin, and Pulisic enters the tournament without a goal since the start of 2026.
Fresh faces and redemption stories shape the supporting cast, including uncapped goalkeeper Chris Brady, fast-rising defender Alex Freeman, and Ricardo Pepi and Miles Robinson after missing the 2022 World Cup.
For a team that exited in the last 16 in Qatar, the home 2026 World Cup is framed as a legacy test for a long-hyped generation and a chance to push soccer further in the United States.
Can Pochettino's high-risk roster gamble elevate America's 'golden generation' to World Cup glory on home soil?
With his legacy on the line, can star Christian Pulisic overcome a major goal drought on the world's biggest stage?
How will a travel proclamation impacting fans from four nations affect the spirit of America’s 2026 World Cup?
USMNT’s 26-Man Squad for 2026 World Cup: Key Selections, Pochettino’s Strategy, and the Quest for a Quarterfinal Finish
Overview
On May 26, 2026, the United States Men's National Team revealed its 26-man World Cup roster at a major event in New York City, led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino. This announcement was a pivotal moment for American soccer, highlighting both the team's ambitions and the excitement surrounding the tournament. Midfielder Weston McKennie shared his hopes that the squad would not only seize the opportunity on the world stage but also inspire a new generation of American fans to embrace soccer. The event set the tone for the team's journey, aiming to ignite national passion and leave a lasting legacy.