For the past eight years, hope and expectation in the United States have circled the home World Cup in 2026.After the success of the 1994 World Cup in building a more stable environment for professional soccer, the belief was that 2026 could be “rocket fuel” for the sport — whatever that meant to whichever executive used the tag line.The U.S. learned it would be a cohost just months after failing to qualify for a tournament for the first time since 1986. That disaster in Trinidad was devastating, but one that led to immediate change. Quickly, hope was rebuilt around a group of young players that many believed could be a golden generation for American men’s soccer.That group was the second-youngest team at the World Cup in Qatar, where it emerged from its group before losing to the Netherlands in the knockout stage. In the aftermath of that loss, many realized that the development and maturation of those players from 2022 to 2026 would likely determine their legacy.Now, with a star coach, Mauricio Pochettino, many of those same players — Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna and Tyler Adams among them — plus some fresh faces will take the field in 2026 looking to fulfill all of those expectations.Here is a deeper look at Pochettino’s 26-man squad, one tasked with not just succeeding, but living up to the hype and continuing to build soccer in America. (Players are listed alphabetically by last name)GoalkeepersChris BradyClub: Chicago Fire