U.S. Men's National Team coach Mauricio Pochettino unveiled a 26‑player roster that will head to the upcoming World Cup, a list that blends veterans who survived the 2022 tournament with a wave of fresh talent.
A Squad Shaped by Experience and New Frontiers
Among the names that stood out were midfield dynamo Gio Reyna, the versatile Sebastian Berhalter, and winger Alejandro Zendejas, each earning a spot after a rigorous selection process.
The omission of midfielders Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann sparked discussion among fans, underscoring the competitive nature of the final choices.
Injury setbacks in March cleared the path for players such as Sergiño Dest, Tyler Adams and Haji Wright to force their way back into the squad, adding depth to the midfield and attack.
Nearly half of the roster returns from the 2022 World Cup, a continuity that Pochettino believes will smooth the transition into a new cycle.
The team’s schedule begins on June 12, when the United States opens its Group D campaign against Paraguay in Inglewood, California, before traveling to Seattle a week later to face Australia, and concluding the group stage against Turkey in Inglewood on June 26.
Veteran defender Tim Ream is poised to break the record as the oldest American ever to appear in a World Cup, a milestone that adds a narrative of longevity to the squad.
At 21, Alex Freeman becomes the youngest player on the roster, while goalkeeper Chris Brady is noted as the first player without prior international caps since 1994, highlighting the blend of youth and inexperience.
Coach Pochettino has repeatedly praised Gio Reyna as a ‘special player,’ and singled out Sebastian Berhalter as the team’s most reliable corner‑kick taker, underscoring the tactical roles assigned to these individuals.