U.S. national team manager Mauricio Pochettino announced his official 2026 World Cup roster on Tuesday, tapping the 26 Americans tasked with bringing global glory to home supporters across the nation this summer.Any opportunity to represent one’s country on soccer’s most prestigious stage is rare and deeply coveted; however, to do so on home soil is something even fewer players ever get to experience. Therefore, these 26 men get the dream of a lifetime, as the 2026 edition of the tournament will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada. The USMNT will exclusively play in the U.S. this summer.Pochettino, a manager with a legendary résumé that includes leading the likes of European powerhouses Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, is determined to give the U.S. a historic run, even citing a potential semifinal finish. The Stars and Stripes have only advanced as far as the quarterfinals in the modern era of the World Cup; however, in his effort to rewrite history, Pochettino has left no stone unturned in search of the best group of U.S. players. Since taking over at the helm in Sept. 2024, he has welcomed roughly 80 players to international camps and seen even more on scouting trips. There is no doubt that his final selection was one meticulously curated. Here, Sports Illustrated breaks down the 26 players hand-picked for gloryGoalkeepersChris BradyChris Brady is a third-string option for the World Cup. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: Chicago Fire (U.S. Major League Soccer)Age: 22 years oldHometown: Naperville, Ill.USMNT Caps: 0Clean Sheets: 0Wins: 0Likelihood of Starting: 0.5/10Still yet to make his debut, Brady has been called up to multiple camps as well as the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. Pochettino may be giving the young goalkeeper just the experience he needs to one day be the main starter for the Stars and Stripes.Matt FreeseMatt Freese is the likely World Cup starter. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: New York City FC (MLS)Age: 27 years oldHometown: Wayne, Pa.USMNT Caps: 14Clean Sheets: 3Wins: 8Likelihood of Starting: 6/10Freese had a unlikely and rapid rise to stardom, debuting for the U.S. only last June before usurping the starting role from Matt Turner and impressing in the run to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final. Oh, and only five years ago, Freese was studying economics at Harvard and playing soccer on the side.Matt TurnerMatt Turner was the starter at the 2022 World Cup. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: New England Revolution (MLS)Age: 31 years oldHometown: Park Ridge, N.J.USMNT Caps: 53Clean Sheets: 27Wins: 29Likelihood of Starting: 3.5/10By far the U.S. goalkeeper with the most experience, Turner was a key starter at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. After a year on the bench, he earned a starting opportunity against Belgium in March’s international friendly and should expect some minutes this summer.DefendersMax ArfstenMax Arfsten is a likely substitute this World Cup. | Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: Columbus Crew (MLS)Age: 25 years oldHometown: Fresno, Calif.USMNT Caps: 18Goals: 1Assists: 5Likelihood of Starting: 3/10Arfsten is known for his tactical versatility and ability to seamlessly transition from defensive to attacking duties, playing not only as a traditional fullback, but also as a wing-back or traditional winger. He is also a goalscorer, most recently netting Columbus’s game-winner in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals.Sergiño DestSergiño Dest is a defensive stalwart for the U.S. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands Eredivisie)Age: 25 years oldHometown: Almere, NetherlandsUSMNT Caps: 37Goals: 2Assists: 6Likelihood of Starting: 8/10Pochettino and the entire U.S. Soccer community breathed a sigh of relief when the stalwart right back returned to action last month after eight weeks out with a hamstring injury. Dest is quickly regaining full fitness and returned to Eindhoven’s starting lineup before the season ended.Alex FreemanAlex Freeman is an attack-minded defender. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: Villarreal CF (Spanish La Liga)Age: 21 years oldHometown: Baltimore, Md.USMNT Caps: 15Goals: 2Assists: 0Likelihood of Starting: 4/10Similar to Freese, the right back first debuted for the national team last June before playing an integral role in the Gold Cup. Freeman’s inclusion in a back three could give the backline an important attack-mindedness given his tendency for off-the-ball runs.Mark McKenzieMark McKenzie had a solid campaign in Ligue 1 this season. | Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: Toulouse FC (French Ligue 1)Age: 27 years oldHometown: Bear, Del.USMNT Caps: 27Goals: 0Assists: 1Likelihood of Starting: 5/10McKenzie provides a big and strong force at the center back position and had a solid outing with Toulouse this season, starting 28 matches in Ligue 1 play, primarily as the right center back in a back-three formation.Tim ReamTim Ream brings veteran leadership to the USMNT. | Omar Vega/Getty ImagesClub: Charlotte FC (MLS)Age: 38 years oldHometown: St. Louis, Mo.USMNT Caps: 80Goals: 1Assists: 4Likelihood of Starting: 7/10The 38-year-old center back brings the most veteran leadership of the group; however, his age, at times, catches up to him, when facing young, agile forwards that easily thread him.Chris RichardsThe USMNT will need Chris Richards to anchor the backline this summer. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: Crystal Palace (English Premier League)Age: 26 years oldHometown: Birmingham, Ala.USMNT Caps: 36Goals: 3Assists: 0Likelihood of Starting: 9/10Due to his composure on the ball and aerial capabilities, Richards will undoubtedly be the most valuable component of the U.S.’s backline, provided he has a clean bill of health. The center back suffered an ankle injury last week, and there is still no update on his readiness.Antonee RobinsonAntonee Robinson scored his first Premier League goal this month. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: Fulham (Premier League)Age: 28 years oldHometown: Liverpool, EnglandUSMNT Caps: 52Goals: 4Assists: 9Likelihood of Starting: 7/10“Jedi,” a childhood nickname for his love of Star Wars and now reflective of his heroic capabilities on the pitch, has become a constant force at the left back position. He reached a significant milestone in his career last week when he scored his first Premier League goal, netting a penalty for Fulham against the Wolverhampton Wanderers. Miles RobinsonMiles Robinson is a likely substitute this summer. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: FC Cincinnati (MLS)Age: 29 years oldHometown: Arlington, Mass.USMNT Caps: 38Goals: 3Assists: 0Likelihood of Starting: 2/10The center back made his senior debut in 2019, but missed the 2022 World Cup due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. Injuries have continued to plague him, causing him to miss the most recent March international window due to groin pain. Joe ScallyJoe Scally is a solid option off the bench at fullback. | Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: Borussia Mönchengladbach (German Bundesliga)Age: 23 years oldHometown: Lake Grove, N.Y.USMNT Caps: 24Goals: 0Assists: 0Likelihood of Starting: 3/10Scally was a consistent starter for Die Fohlen this season at fullback and wing-back, unlike fellow American Gio Reyna, who struggled to earn minutes.Auston TrustyAuston Trusty had a stellar outing in Scotland this season, | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: Celtic FC (Scottish Premiership)Age: 27 years oldHometown: Media, Pa.USMNT Caps: 6Goals: 0Assists: 2Likelihood of Starting: 3/10The center back most recently led club side Celtic FC to a massive comeback in the Scottish Premiership, hoisting the domestic league trophy last week after a 3–1 win over Hearts.Defensive/Central MidfieldersTyler AdamsTyler Adams was stellar for Bournemouth this season and will be equally integral for the U.S. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/ISI Photos via Getty ImagesClub: AFC Bournemouth (Premier League)Age: 27 years oldHometown: Wappingers Falls, N.Y.USMNT Caps: 52Goals: 2Assists: 0Likelihood of Starting: 8/10Pochettino will rely heavily on Adams in the defensive midfield position, especially as the Argentine boss is light on midfield options. Adams was exceptional this season for Bournemouth, a stalwart in the Cherries’ midfield. He clocked 90 minutes in the crucial 1–1 draw against Manchester City that earned Arsenal their first Premier League title in 22 years.Sebastian BerhalterSebastian Berhalter will be provide strength to the second string. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)Age: 25 years oldHometown: London, EnglandUSMNT Caps: 11Goals: 1Assists: 3Likelihood of Starting: 4/10Berhalter, son of former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter, has been on fire this season in MLS. Across 14 league games, the central midfielder has made 13 starts for Vancouver and notched six goals and seven assists.Weston McKennieWeston McKennie is a lock for Pochettino’s starting lineup. | Andrea Vilchez/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSFClub: Juventus (Italian Serie A)Age: 27 years oldHometown: Little Elm, Tx.USMNT Caps: 64Goals: 12Assists: 7Likelihood of Starting: 9.5/10McKennie, widely regarded as a “Swiss army knife” for his tactical versatility, has played 10 positions on the field this season for club side Juventus and will be similarly spread around by Pochettino this summer. Predominately a central midfielder, though, McKennie had a career-best season, scoring five goals and adding five assists in Serie A play to set him up beautifully for second-career World Cup.Cristian RoldanCristian Roldan brings veteran leadership to the USMNT. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: Seattle Sounders (MLS)Age: 30 years oldHometown: Pico Rivera, Calif.USMNT Caps: 45Goals: 0Assists: 5Likelihood of Starting: 2/10The central midfielder has had somewhat of a down season with the Sounders thus far, but the veteran leadership and morale boost he brings to the USMNT is non-negotiable.Attacking Midfielders/WingersBrenden AaronsonBrenden Aaronson excelled for Leeds United this season. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: Leeds United (Premier League)Age: 25 years oldHometown: Medford, N.J.USMNT Caps: 57Goals: 9Assists: 7Likelihood of Starting: 5/10Aaronson is both a strong attacking midfield option and a winger option. He was a consistent starter for Leeds this season, tallying four goals and five assists in league play.Christian PulisicChristian Pulisic will be tasked with leading the U.S. this summer. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: AC Milan (Serie A)Age: 27 years oldHometown: Hershey, Pa.USMNT Caps: 84Goals: 32Assists: 19Likelihood of Starting: 9/10No matter what form he is in, Pulisic will always be the face and star of the USMNT. “Captain America,” denoted for his heroics as an American in European soccer, is coming off a career-worst season. The attacker has not found the back of the net for his club in 19 matches, dating back to 2025. He hasn’t scored for the U.S. since 2024. He is confident a resurgence is imminent, though.Gio ReynaGio Reyna is a controversial World Cup selection. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: Borussia Mönchengladbach (Bundesliga)Age: 23 years oldHometown: Bedford, N.Y.USMNT Caps: 36Goals: 9Assists: 6Likelihood of Starting: 4/10The attacking midfielder was a controversial choice by Pochettino, given Reyna has hardly featured for his Bundesliga club, relegated to a bench role. Since the turn of the calendar, he has featured at most 32 minutes in any given match. Nevertheless, Pochettino has expressed that club form has nothing to do with international form.Malik TillmanMalik Tillman avoided a potentially nasty ankle injury months ago, making him available for Pochettino’s final squad. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)Club: Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)Age: 23 years oldHometown: Furth, GermanyUSMNT Caps: 28Goals: 3Assists: 4Likelihood of Starting: 7/10Tillman is versatile and skillful as both an attacking central midfielder and as a winger. Pochettino has relied upon him heavily in his starting lineups over the past few international windows.Tim WeahTim Weah played a critically important role in the 2022 World Cup. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: Olympique de Marseille (Ligue 1)Age: 26 years oldHometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.USMNT Caps: 49Goals: 7Assists: 5Likelihood of Starting: 5/10Weah is a highly reliable winger, known for his explosive and dynamic movements up the flank, but can also feature as a wing-back or fullback, if Pochettino seeks a formation that is more attack-minded. Alejandro ZendejasAlejandro Zendejas was a surprise inclusion to the USMNT roster. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/Getty ImagesClub: Club América (Mexico’s Liga MX)Age: 28 years oldHometown: El Paso, Tx.USMNT Caps: 13Goals: 2Assists: 1Likelihood of Starting: 1/10Zendejas may have been Pochettino’s most surprising selection. The winger has not featured for the Stars and Stripes since September; however, he did score a goal for the U.S. in the 2–0 win over Japan.StrikersFolarin BalogunFolarin Balogun is the expected starting striker this summer. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: AS Monaco (Ligue 1)Age: 24 years oldHometown: London, EnglandUSMNT Caps: 25Goals: 8Assists: 4Likelihood of Starting: 6/10Balogun has been on fire this season, eager to edge ahead in the highly-competitive striker race. The 24-year-old has 19 goals and five assists in 43 games across Ligue 1, Coupe de France and the Champions League, proving himself as one of the best young attackers in all of Europe. Ricardo PepiRicardo Pepi shined for PSV Eindhoven this season, | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)Club: PSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie)Age: 23 years oldHometown: El Paso, Tx.USMNT Caps: 35Goals: 13Assists: 4Likelihood of Starting: 2/10If not for Balogun’s remarkable play this season, Pepi would be a fantastic starting choice. He netted a whopping 19 goals and two assists across all competitions this season.Haji WrightHaji Wright was a key component of Coventry City’s promotion to the Premier League. | John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty ImagesClub: Coventry City (English Championship)Age: 28 years oldHometown: Los Angeles, Calif.USMNT Caps: 20Goals: 7Assists: 0Likelihood of Starting: 2/10Wright was dominant for Coventry City this season, scoring 17 times to boost his side to the Premier League for the first time since 2000–01. There is no doubt Pochettino will call upon his expertise at some point this summer.READ THE LATEST USMNT NEWS, ANALYSIS AND INSIGHT FROM SI FCAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleFollow