USMNT World Cup 2026 Squad Predictions: Pochettino's Critical Roster Decisions
With the 2026 World Cup on home soil approaching, Mauricio Pochettino faces pivotal choices in selecting the 26-man roster for the US men's national team. After 24 matches under his leadership, including recent friendlies—a 5-2 loss to Belgium and a 2-0 defeat to Portugal—the stakes are high as the final squad announcement looms on 26 May. This analysis delves into the key positions and players vying for spots, based on expert predictions and current form.
Goalkeepers: A Battle for the Third Spot
On the squad: Matt Freese and Matt Turner are widely expected to secure their places. Freese, having started most matches in the Pochettino era, is projected as the first-choice goalkeeper, while Turner's World Cup experience provides valuable depth.
Up for debate: Patrick Schulte and Chris Brady are contenders for the third goalkeeper role, a position unlikely to see game time. Schulte gained experience at the 2024 Olympics, including a start against France, but concerns linger over his penalty-saving record. Brady has impressed with the Chicago Fire this season, though the overall talent pool remains shallow, highlighting a potential weakness.
Out of the picture: Roman Celentano and Jonathan Klinsmann are not considered frontrunners, with Celentano recently withdrawing due to injury precautions.
Defenders: Depth and Versatility in Focus
On the squad: Chris Richards, Mark McKenzie, and Tim Ream anchor the center-back positions, while Antonee Robinson, Alex Freeman, Max Arfsten, and Sergiño Dest are favored for full-back roles. Their consistency and adaptability make them likely inclusions.
Up for debate: Joe Scally, Miles Robinson, Noahkai Banks, and Auston Trusty face uncertainty. Scally's versatility to play right-back or center-back could appeal to Pochettino, who may employ varied formations. Trusty received praise from Pochettino after a solid performance against Portugal, boosting his chances if he maintains form. Banks, however, remains a wild card due to his ambivalence about representing the US over Germany.
Out of the picture: Tristan Blackmon, Nathan Harriel, and Cameron Carter-Vickers are not expected to make the cut, given the depth ahead of them.
Midfielders: Stability Amidst Limited Surprises
On the squad: Tyler Adams, Cristian Roldan, Tanner Tessmann, Sebastian Berhalter, and Johnny Cardoso form a cohesive unit, with no major debates among predictors. Their defensive solidity and tactical awareness, demonstrated in neutralizing Portugal's Vitinha, reinforce their positions.
Out of the picture: Aidan Morris and James Sands are unlikely to feature, with Sands recovering from ankle surgery and facing stiff competition.
Attacking Midfielders and Wingers: Reyna's Fitness in Question
On the squad: Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Malik Tillman, and Diego Luna are consensus picks, offering creativity and pace in attack.
Up for debate: Gio Reyna and Brenden Aaronson present dilemmas. Reyna's attacking vision is unmatched, but his lack of match fitness at Borussia Mönchengladbach raises concerns. Pochettino's limited use of him in March—only 32 minutes—suggests he might be conditioned as a supersub. Aaronson, with minimal minutes recently, fits less seamlessly into an aggressive playing style.
Out of the picture: Timothy Tillman and Jack McGlynn are not in contention, overshadowed by more established options.
Strikers: Versatility Versus Form
On the squad: Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi are clear favorites, providing goal-scoring threat and link-up play.
Up for debate: Haji Wright and Patrick Agyemang vie for additional spots. Wright's ability to play wide or centrally adds versatility, but a recent injury may hinder his chances. Agyemang's rise from college soccer to professional success, coupled with his club form and performance against Belgium, makes him an appealing late-game option.
Out of the picture: Josh Sargent, Damion Downs, and Brian White are not expected to break into the squad, given the depth ahead.
Expert Predictions in Full
The Guardian's analysts—Alexander Abnos, Pablo Maurer, and Jeff Rueter—present varied rosters, reflecting the complexities of Pochettino's decisions. Abnos includes Schulte, Scally, and Wright, while Maurer opts for Brady, Trusty, and Agyemang. Rueter's picks feature Banks and Reyna, emphasizing potential over current form. These differences underscore the challenging landscape as the USMNT prepares to host the World Cup, with final selections poised to spark debate among fans and pundits alike.
