USMNT 2026 World Cup Roster Projection: Mauricio Pochettino’s Vision Takes Shape

The US Men`s National Team has concluded its experimental phase following a September international break, which included a win against a rotated Japan squad and a loss to South Korea. While the deployment of a new three-at-the-back formation against Japan showed promise, it also raises questions regarding the final 2026 World Cup roster composition. This tactical shift, offering defensive solidity, could potentially reduce the number of required midfielders.

Concerns persist about consistent club playing time for several key USMNT players, including Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, and Gio Reyna. However, summer transfer moves for some players might alter this situation. Regardless, manager Mauricio Pochettino faces the challenging task of balancing a player`s inherent talent and suitability for the USMNT system against their current club form and game minutes – a common dilemma when transitioning from club to international coaching. With the next international window approaching in October, featuring matches against Ecuador and Australia, and the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico less than a year away, it`s timely to project the potential squad.

USMNT Roster Locks

This category, which has seen its numbers shrink due to recent performance shifts within the USMNT player pool, comprises individuals who, if fit, are considered guaranteed selections and probable starters.

• Sergino Dest (Defender)
• Weston McKennie (Midfielder)
• Christian Pulisic (Forward)
• Tyler Adams (Midfielder)
• Antonee Robinson (Defender)
• Folarin Balogun (Forward)
• Chris Richards (Defender)
• Tim Ream (Defender)
• Matt Freese (Goalkeeper)

The certainty of these “locked-in” positions is evolving, with several players solidifying their claims after the September international window. Matt Freese is making a strong case for the primary goalkeeper role, demonstrating enough to secure a spot on the roster at least as a potential penalty shootout specialist. Upfront, Folarin Balogun`s goal against Japan highlighted his unique attacking qualities, cementing his place as a definite starter and the likely number nine for the USMNT at the World Cup, barring injury.

Weston McKennie, who missed the September international window, faces the highest risk of dropping from this elite group, though concerns wouldn`t escalate unless he`s also absent from the October window. Sergino Dest, despite a mixed camp performance in his first appearance under Pochettino, remains a strong contender for the World Cup squad, primarily due to his offensive contributions.

This highlights the fluid nature of the USMNT roster, with only nine positions appearing genuinely secure for 2026. While Malik Tillman might otherwise be considered a lock, his recent move to Bayer Leverkusen and the swift managerial change (Kasper Hjulmand replacing Erik ten Hag after just two games) introduce uncertainty. With Champions League football ahead, his situation remains volatile, potentially jeopardizing his World Cup spot. Similarly, Tim Ream, despite his current strong standing, faces questions given he will be 37 by the World Cup.

In midfield, the trio of Yunus Musah, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie, who impressed at the 2022 World Cup, was once considered established. However, Musah`s recent transfer to Atalanta means he must now consistently secure playing time, or he risks being excluded from the 2026 World Cup squad entirely.

Players on the Bubble

• Luca De La Torre (Midfielder): De La Torre has been a standout performer in midfield for San Diego FC, who are excelling in their inaugural MLS season. His impressive club form is elevating his standing within the USMNT. While he might not secure a starting role given the midfield depth, he is poised to be a reliable and valuable squad member.
• Matt Turner (Goalkeeper): Returning to New England, Matt Turner has regained consistent game time. However, playing at the MLS level might not be sufficient for him to reclaim the starting position from Freese. The goalkeeper battle remains a key area of competition for the USMNT.
• Miles Robinson (Defender): After missing the 2022 World Cup, with Walker Zimmerman taking his spot, Robinson is re-establishing himself within Pochettino`s plans. While his playing minutes at the World Cup might be limited, his experience could be crucial for securing defensive stability in late-game situations.
• Malik Tillman (Midfielder): His situation at Bayer Leverkusen is currently unstable, with a managerial change occurring after just two league matches. Despite scoring an early goal, the unpredictability of his club environment prevents him from being a guaranteed roster lock at this stage.
• Patrick Agyemang (Forward): Agyemang emerged as a surprise contender under Pochettino, earning a call-up to the January camp despite being far from previous World Cup consideration. While he has a shot at the 2026 squad, injuries since his summer move to Derby County have hampered his ability to consistently prove himself.
• Gio Reyna (Forward): Still awaiting his debut for Borussia Monchengladbach, Reyna`s club situation seems poised for improvement. The USMNT critically needs a creative midfielder, and Reyna`s exceptional ball skills are unmatched within the current player pool. A return to consistent form would undoubtedly secure his place in the squad.
• Ricardo Pepi (Forward): Pepi has had a slow start to his season at PSV, struggling to score. However, this adjustment period is anticipated as he transitions to a more regular starting role. Even with some initial difficulties, Pepi is expected to make the World Cup squad, and a strong scoring performance in the Champions League would at least solidify his position as the second-choice striker.
• Alex Freeman (Defender): Unexpectedly emerging under Pochettino, Freeman is rapidly developing and seriously contending for a World Cup spot. His impressive two-way play as a wing-back is influencing Pochettino`s consideration of including four fullbacks in the final squad.
• Haji Wright (Forward): Wright`s standing has somewhat declined under Pochettino, yet his versatility to play both on the wing or as a central striker gives him an opportunity for the World Cup squad, especially given the relative lack of depth in attacking positions.
• Max Arfsten (Defender): Arfsten`s ability to operate as both a defender and a wide midfielder offers valuable versatility to the team. While Robinson is likely the starting left-back, Arfsten provides an excellent alternative for tactical changes.
• Johnny Cardoso (Midfielder): His recent transfer to Atletico Madrid provides an excellent platform for his development. While he still needs to consistently replicate this form for the USMNT, his inclusion is crucial given the scarcity of midfield options.
• Patrick Schulte (Goalkeeper): Schulte is arguably the best goalkeeper in the pool in terms of ball distribution. Had he not been injured before the Gold Cup, Freese might not have had his opportunity to start. A strong season could still see Schulte claim the starting spot, though he currently trails in the pecking order.
• Tristan Blackmon (Defender): His unexpected inclusion in the squad reflects an uncertain picture for Pochettino`s center-back selections. If a three-at-the-back system is utilized, an additional central defender makes sense, though the specific choice remains speculative.
• Diego Luna (Midfielder): Having established himself as a key figure for Pochettino, Luna`s next challenge is to demonstrate his capability against elite competition. His struggles in the Gold Cup final and against South Korea are understandable for a developing player, but overcoming these challenges is vital for securing his World Cup spot.
• Tim Weah (Forward): Now with Marseille in France, Weah can revert to his natural winger position, a significant advantage for the USMNT. Pochettino appears to favor him on the left wing, a deployment that has yielded mixed results, occasionally disrupting the team`s overall balance.
• Sebastian Berhalter (Midfielder): The Vancouver Whitecaps player has rapidly distinguished himself as a top set-piece specialist within the squad. While his general open-play performance requires further elevation to meet World Cup standards, his dead-ball delivery makes him a valuable asset for crucial free kicks or corners.

On the Outside Looking In

This section highlights players who are not currently projected to make the squad.

• Jack McGlynn (Midfielder): Directly competing with Berhalter, his inclusion might hinge on Pochettino`s tactical preference. Berhalter offers more defensively, whereas McGlynn provides a stronger offensive contribution.
• Yunus Musah (Midfielder): Now with Atalanta, Musah faces the challenge of securing a regular starting spot to prove his worth for the World Cup squad.
• Josh Sargent (Forward): Having struggled to convert his opportunities, Sargent`s window to qualify for a second consecutive World Cup is narrowing.
• Zack Steffen (Goalkeeper): An injury before the Gold Cup potentially altered his trajectory, and Steffen now faces a difficult path to rejoin the top three goalkeepers in contention.

Projected 2026 USMNT Roster