Mauricio Pochettino faces a daunting task as he finalizes the 26 players to represent the United States at the 2026 World Cup. In 24 games as USMNT head coach, he has called up 61 different players, leaving the core largely undefined. Only six players have logged over 1,000 minutes under his tenure, while 34 have seen fewer than 250. This widespread experimentation adds uncertainty to a squad that must gel quickly before the tournament.
The goalkeeping position is a major point of contention. Matt Freese leads with 14 caps and 1,260 minutes, but Matt Turner – the incumbent – has superior MLS stats, ranking second in goals prevented (5.6). Turner’s strong club form contrasts with Freese’s shootout heroics against Costa Rica last summer. Patrick Schulte and Zack Steffen round out the options, with Steffen struggling as MLS's fourth-worst shot-stopper. The Guardian notes that Schulte is nearly certain to be the third-choice emergency option, leaving Freese and Turner to battle for the starting job.
At full-back, Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest are presumed starters, but injuries have limited their involvement. Max Arfsten has emerged as the most-used left-back under Pochettino with 1,156 minutes, though his defensive lapses in a back-four make him better suited as a wing-back. On the right, Alex Freeman’s rapid rise – from Orlando City to Villarreal – has displaced Joe Scally, while Dest’s dynamism remains a risky yet vital asset. Freeman’s ability to slot as a right center-back in a back-three offers flexibility.
Center-back is anchored by veteran Tim Ream (1,557 minutes) and Chris Richards (1,094), but Ream’s age (38) and lack of pace are concerns. Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty have impressed, notably in a 5-1 win over Uruguay, while Miles Robinson’s injury absence in March may not affect his candidacy. The potential inclusion of 19-year-old Noahkai Banks adds intrigue, though his recent lack of game time at Augsburg could delay his debut.
Midfield sees Tyler Adams as a pivotal figure, with 11 caps and 763 minutes. Sebastian Berhalter (11 caps, 809 minutes) and Tanner Tessmann (12 caps, 663 minutes) provide depth, but injuries have thinned the options. Patrick Agyemang’s ruptured Achilles and Johnny Cardoso’s ankle injury rule them out, forcing reliance on Aidan Morris and Cristian Roldan. The midfield core must balance defensive steel and creativity, with Adams likely to anchor alongside a box-to-box partner.
In attack, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tim Weah are mainstays, while Gio Reyna’s history of fitness issues remains a risk. Diego Luna and Malik Tillman offer youthful flair, and Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and Haji Wright provide striker options. The Guardian's predicted squad includes these names, highlighting Pochettino’s preference for versatile attackers who can press and combine.
The predicted 26-man squad based on minutes and form: Goalkeepers – Matt Freese, Patrick Schulte, Matt Turner; Full-backs – Max Arfsten, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Antonee Robinson; Center-backs – Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty; Midfielders – Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Aidan Morris, Cristian Roldan, Tanner Tessmann; Attacking midfielders/Wingers – Diego Luna, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman, Tim Weah; Strikers – Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright.
Pochettino’s reliance on unfamiliar faces and limited established partnerships means the final cut will be shaped by last-minute friendlies and fitness. The USMNT must quickly forge chemistry, as the World Cup group stage looms in June. Any injury or drop in form could sway the boss to gamble on untested players.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.