A surprise leak shakes up World Cup preparations
The U.S. men's national team's 26‑player roster for the 2026 World Cup appeared online before the federation's official reveal, a development first flagged by The Guardian and later confirmed by The Athletic. The early disclosure has set social media abuzz and raised expectations for the upcoming announcement event.
Among the names surfaced are established figures such as Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, alongside emerging talent like Alex Zendejas, who earned praise for his display against Japan in September. Zendejas's performance prompted comparisons to Lionel Messi, underscoring his rapid rise.
The leaked list also highlights the absence of Tanner Tessmann, despite his recent club form, while veteran Mauricio Pochettino is noted as the head coach overseeing the selection process.
Building anticipation in New York
The official roster will be unveiled at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in Manhattan, a venue chosen to amplify excitement as the 2026 tournament draws nearer. U.S. Soccer hopes the ceremony will cement public interest and showcase the depth of talent vying for a spot on the global stage.