08-07-2025
Way too early USMNT 2026 World Cup roster projection
The U.S. men's national team made a run to the Gold Cup final without its best roster. But with that 2-1 loss to rival Mexico, head coach Mauricio Pochettino will immediately shift his focus into forming a roster that can make noise at the 2026 World Cup.
It's not going to be easy.
With the U.S. co-hosting the tournament with Mexico and Canada, the USMNT will not have another competitive match until it takes the field at the actual World Cup. That means the USMNT will have to find a way to build chemistry and fight for roster spots in friendlies.
For all the disappointing USMNT results in the past couple years, the program still has its best-ever talent at its disposal. It's just a matter of making those pieces work together.
We're 11 months away from the World Cup, but this is what I think the 23-player roster will look like.
Goalkeepers (3)
Matt Freese (NYCFC), Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest) and Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew)
It's been somewhat of a struggle in the post-Tim Howard era to produce a reliable No. 1 goalkeeper. Matt Turner emerged as the guy for the 2022 World Cup, but inconsistent play and injuries have opened the door to competition. Matt Freese has seemingly taken control of the job after a strong Gold Cup, which included a heroic performance in penalties against Costa Rica.
Defenders (7)
Antonee 'Jedi' Robinson (Fulham), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic) and Mark McKenzie (Toulouse)
Pochettino certainly didn't have his optimal defense available at the Gold Cup, which led to Max Arfsten playing out of position. Assuming Jedi and Dest can make it through the 2025-26 club season healthy, the starting back line should be set for the USMNT with Richards and the ageless Ream joining them.
Midfielders (7)
Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Yunus Musah (AC Milan), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Luca de la Torre (San Diego FC), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund) and Johnny Cardoso (Atletico Madrid)
Malik Tillman emerged as a potential starter for the USMNT after his strong Gold Cup and breakout season at PSV (leading to an expected move to Leverkusen). As we head to 2026, though, all eyes will be on Pochettino's decision about Gio Reyna. The now-22-year-old was at the center of drama surrounding the 2022 World Cup, but he has been in a multiyear struggle for playing time at the club level. Assuming Reyna can secure a move from Dortmund, he'll have a chance to earn his place back with the USMNT.
Forwards (6)
Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Tim Weah (Juventus), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco), Haji Wright (Coventry City) and Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)
Christian Pulisic dealt with his share of criticism for skipping the Gold Cup in order to have a full offseason of recovery. But the AC Milan star remains the focal point of this roster, and if he remains healthy, that won't change. Beyond Pulisic, Pochettino has some tough decisions to make with the attacking players. Pepi is coming off a major injury. Balogun has also battled injuries and inconsistency at Monaco. Still, I like them both to make the roster and for Luna to secure the 23rd and final spot.
