U.S. Men's National Team Announces 26-Player Roster for 2026 World Cup

The U.S. Men's National Team announced its 26-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Tuesday during a public event in New York City. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino finalized the list after months of evaluations and informed players by text and email on Friday.

Thirteen players return from the 2022 squad in Qatar, including forwards Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah and Haji Wright, the only U.S. goal scorers in that tournament. Thirteen newcomers join the group, among them forward Ricardo Pepi and defenders Chris Richards and Miles Robinson, both of whom missed the previous World Cup due to injury.

Pochettino described the selection process as difficult but aimed at building a competitive side.

Christian Pulisic, who plays for AC Milan, said the home tournament represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. "I'm grateful to be in this position. It's exactly what I want," Pulisic said. Alejandro Zendejas of Club América received a surprise call-up after limited minutes under Pochettino and no appearances for the national team since September.

The United States co-hosts the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico. The team's first group-stage match is scheduled for June 12 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles. The U.S. last reached the quarterfinals in 2002 and has not advanced past the round of 16 since then.

"We were working really hard for one year and a half or more to try to arrive in this moment," Pochettino said. "It is impossible to be fair with everyone. "When you think of the 2026 World Cup, you think of pressure," Roldan said.