By Brian Thomas 
As the road to the 2026 World Cup on home soil begins to take shape, the player pool for the USMNT is coming into clearer focus. While a year remains until the tournament kicks off, certain players have established themselves as key figures and others are battling for their place. This article will predict the entirety of the 26-man 2026 World Cup roster, beginning with the starting XI and then going into the reserves.
Starting Goalkeeper: Matt Turner
Turner seems ensconced as the first-choice keeper based on pedigree and history with the national team. It certainly isn’t based on recent form. Comparatively speaking to the other two goalkeepers soon to be mentioned, Turner isn’t playing. He hasn’t featured once this season for Crystal Palace. At some point, and soon, questions must be asked as to why he’s being penciled in automatically when the merit for such a decision isn’t valid.
Starting Defender: Antonee Robinson
Aside from Pulisic, there’s not another locked-in starter to this level. Robinson has been a rock for the national team over more than a handful of years. He’s also emerged as one of the better left backs in the Prem — not exactly an easy feat. His bombing runs up the flanks coupled with his infinite energy makes him a vital cog in the aim to produce goals. The USMNT needs Robinson to stay healthy at all costs, because he likely won’t be coming off the pitch much (if at all).
Starting Defender: Tim Ream
There’s always that older veteran player making the final World Cup roster as a leader. Ream fits the bill in this capacity — though he actually might be starting at center back alongside Richards despite being 38 years of age when the tournament kicks off. Much like a fine wine, Ream has aged well — using his brains and immense technicality to spring attacks moving forward as well as reading the game at a very high level. You do worry about him if he’s caught out in space having to track back and presumably contend with faster, younger players. He may have the current hold on the spot next to Richards, though there’s still a year until that’s officially cemented.
Starting Defender: Chris Richards
Richards is another seemingly locked in as a first-choice center back. He starts more than half the time for Crystal Palace, and has essentially established himself within the club as a solid player. Richards is good in the air and has some impressive athleticism for a guy his size. While technical enough, he is prone to making the occasional error with his passing. It would be very surprising if Richards isn’t within the starting CB pairing next June.
Starting Defender: Sergino Dest
Dest should be fully healthy as he’s been recovering from a torn ACL. He is another player that immediately increases the ceiling of the team when on the pitch. Dest loves getting forward not too dissimilarly from Robinson. Not as much as a pure unadulterated vertical threat, Dest loves to combine and dribble past players akin to a winger or forward. He recently was interviewed saying he’s yet to speak to Pochettino since taking over which was a bit curious. Having said that, if healthy, he’s locked in as the team’s right back without question.
Starting Midfielder: Tyler Adams
Adams is imperative to the team’s success. He’s a human vacuum cleaner, gliding all over the pitch breaking up the oppositions’ attacks with aplomb, energy, and dogged determination. Adams isn’t shy in sticking his nose via a vicious tackle. He’s one of the more animated players within this pool, and that’s something the team can use quite frankly. Adams plays with real emotion and is one of the better intercepting defensive center mids in the EPL. As is the case with him always, he needs to stay healthy.
Starting Midfielder: Weston McKennie
McKennie is a mercurial player. He’s not for everyone, and there are moments where he’s maddening to watch. Issues with consistency and conditioning will follow him until his career is over. Having said that, give him credit for carving out an integral role with Italian giant Juventus. McKennie can play literally — and has played literally — anywhere on the pitch sans goalkeeper. This sort of versatility is nice to have, as is McKennie’s uncanny ability to make a special play out of nowhere which more often than not leads to a goal-scoring chance. He should be a starter on home soil in ’26.
Starting Midfielder: Diego Luna
Pochettino seems to rate Luna — and for good reason. He’s the best young American player in MLS having upped the level of his game this past season. Luna plays with a real aggression. He’s actively looking to create goal-scoring chances every time he touches the ball. Luna’s quickness, physicality, and warrrior-like attitude is very refreshing in a pool which needs a bit of an edge. It’s almost reminiscent of the way Clint Dempsey approached the game. While Luna is a vastly different player, he does resemble the archetype of a tough yet technically-gifted South American player who makes life miserable for those who underestimate them on the biggest stage. Luna has all the ingredients to potentially start for this team as an attacking central midfielder ahead of names like Malik Tillman, Giovanni Reyna, Gianluca Busio, and Paxten.
Starting Forward: Ricardo Pepi
While maybe not possessing the same level of flair and individual dribbling of his compatriots, Pepi makes up for it with his ability to be at the right place at the right time. He has really grown into his own at PSV Eindhoven, where this season he has scored 11 goals in 18 appearances, including an impressive finish against Premier League winners Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. We wouldn’t be surprised to see him make a big-money move this summer. His continued development in the Dutch Eredivisie will pay dividends for keeping the USMNT’s attack dynamic.
Starting Forward: Timothy Weah
As long as Weah is healthy, he will always be a lock for the national team. He excels in stretching defenses and bringing width whereas wingers like Pulisic prefer to cut inside. He is capable of putting in hard work at both ends of the pitch, as he has experience slotting in the wing-back role. Juventus has allowed his game to be elevated, and just like his vital goal in the 2022 World Cup, look for him to pose a major threat again in 2026.
Starting Forward: Christian Pulisic
“Captain America” is still undoubtedly the #1 lock. Despite his critics following the Nations League performances, he is the most dangerous attacker in the camp. Plus, he has been crushing it in Italy this year. In the 2024-25 Serie A season, he is leading his club AC Milan for most goals (11) and assists (9). Still only 26, this is the ripe opportunity for him to stamp his legacy on the national team with a deep World Cup run.
Bench: Folarin Balogun
His stock isn’t quite as high as it was when he made his debut for the USMNT in 2023, but he remains one of the better players in the U.S. side. Problem is, he is also in one of the most competitive positions in the entire camp (Pepi, Sargent, Wright, etc…), and when his 2024-25 season has been more down than up thanks to injuries and poor form, it means he likely won’t be starting matches. If he can bounce back from his injury issues and continue staying consistent with AS Monaco, he will bring an assured presence to the squad.
Bench: Haji Wright
After being sidelined for a significant portion of the 2024-25 season with an ankle injury, Haji Wright is back and scoring for his club Coventry City. He returned in late January and has been slowly working his way back to full match fitness, and scored a hat trick against Sunderland in March. Of course, this meant he missed out on playing time under Pochettino’s USMNT. If he can maintain his fitness and continue to perform well in England, his skillset provides a valuable option for the forward line.
Bench: Yunus Musah
Still only age 22, Musah has seen himself become more and more involved with first team duties at AC Milan. His ability to break lines and carry the ball effectively from deep adds a different dimension to the attack, and has been a welcome addition to the Rossoneri. We may see the return of the coveted ‘MMA’ midfield (Musah, McKennie, Adams), although Pochettino may prefer a more creative engine as opposed to a grittier one. Regardless, Musah will have a role to play this World Cup, but remains to be seen which one exactly.
Bench: Johnny Cardoso
Johnny ‘Futebol’ continues to play very well in La Liga with Real Betis. He’s a sophisticated player given his Brazilian roots, though also gritty and well-rounded in the process. A host of big clubs are rumored to be in on him, namely Tottenham and Juventus. His play at club level hasn’t yet translated to the national team. Having said that, he’s got a ton of talent — and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t be given multiple opportunities to start in the ramp up towards next June.
Bench: Tanner Tessman
Tessmann has become more and more acclimated at Lyon. Dating back to February, he’s been starting a good chunk of the time. He is another with a unique profile given the fact he’s 6’4″ yet athletic and also very technical. If given the choice between Tessmann and Jack McGlynn making the final squad, we’d go with Tessmann given the fact he plays against better competition, and offers better defensive chops. He’d also provide some real cover in the event of an injury to Adams and/or Cardoso.
Bench: Malik Tillman
Tillman is a baller, plain and simple. He’s flourished since making the move from Rangers to PSV. Tillman’s creativity and willingness to express himself has never been a question. These are two of his better qualities. Where he does tend to struggle comes from a lack of effort defensively, particularly when pressing. We aren’t sure how that will mesh with Pochettino’s system. But what we do know is that Tillman would be a major weapon to utilize coming off the bench if he were not initially in the XI. He’s got one of the highest ceilings of anyone in this pool.
Bench: Giovanni Reyna
This is the most interesting inclusion — and one that isn’t a guarantee by a long shot. Reyna can’t get off the bench at Borussia Dortmund. Whether it’s attitude issues or injuries, his tenure has run its course. For all the promise he’s shown, it won’t be fulfilled unless a move to a level where he can get consistent playing time can be had. He’s still young enough to turn it around. It wouldn’t be the worst thing for him to perhaps to go Holland where he can regain some confidence before bouncing back up to a top four league. Much of his future will be determined by his next move. Paxten Aaronson is right there waiting to take this spot given his strong year with Utrecht.
Bench: Auston Trusty
Carter-Vickers’ teammate at Celtic also gets a spot on this roster. Trusty has a totally different profile compared to CCV. He’s 6’4″ and left-footed with some real prowess as an aerial threat. Much like Carter-Vickers, Trusty earned some terrific experience through Celtics CL stint. He had been CCV’s partner in the back for much of the year until very recently where his playing time has been a bit uneven. He’s one to watch as a potential transfer target for clubs in the Championship and perhaps elsewhere in Europe. Trusty won’t make the World Cup roster without playing a fair amount of the time. Finding that situation, even if it involves staying at Celtic, will be key.
Bench: Cameron Carter-Vickers
CCV is one of two Americans plying their trades at Scottish power Celtic. Carter-Vickers is a rock of a man — built with a powerful, fire hydrant-esque frame. He has tons of experience playing as a professional despite only 27 years of age. He is a locked-in starter in Glasgow, and that included accruing experience in Champions League play. Carter-Vickers is a nice option to use whether it be bringing on another center back late in a match, or subbing in as a replacement starter. His pedigree should net him a spot on this team.
Bench: Mark McKenzie
CCV is one of two Americans plying their trades at Scottish power Celtic. Carter-Vickers is a rock of a man — built with a powerful, fire hydrant-esque frame. He has tons of experience playing as a professional despite only 27 years of age. He is a locked-in starter in Glasgow, and that included accruing experience in Champions League play. Carter-Vickers is a nice option to use whether it be bringing on another center back late in a match, or subbing in as a replacement starter. His pedigree should net him a spot on this team.
Bench: Joe Scally
Scally is trending in a very positive direction. At 22 years of age, he’s a weekly starter for a mid-table Bundesliga side in Borussia Monchengladbach. One could do a lot worse than to have this profile of a player as your backup right back. Scally can play left back in a punch, and has proven capable in coming in off the bench to kill off a game. He might not be as dynamic as Dest. However, he’s faster, more physical, and a better positional defender comparatively speaking.
Bench: John Tolkin
Tolkin made the jump to the Bundesliga for Holstein Kiel. Though the team is slated to be relegated to the second division, Tolkin acquitted himself very well. He has two assists in 10 matches and has been starting for the team since February. A true left-footed player, he figures to be a prime reserve behind Robinson. His ability to play up the pitch offers some nice versatility. Based on how he’s played this year, it wouldn’t be shocking if he moved to another Bundesliga club with a bit more of a solidified future.
Bench: Alex Zendejas
Zendejas has objectively been one of the better players in Liga MX during this Clausura. The 27-year-old has 11 goals and 11 assists thus far for Mexican power Club America. Dynamic and aggressive, he’s lethal when cutting onto his left foot from wide positions. He offers a different profile of player the USMNT doesn’t utilize as well as it should. Based on form and uniqueness, he should be a no-brainer selection for the full roster. There’s even a case to be made Zendejas could be a starter. The hope is that he can make a jump across the pond to Europe and further enhance his game.
Bench: Patrick Schulte
Schulte is one of the better keepers in MLS. The 24-year-old looks primed for an eventual move to Europe. He’s one of the only young American keepers getting consistent playing time as he currently performs for Columbus Crew. He might have the best chance to usurp the starting role from Turner assuming he continues to play at a high level with consistency. It’ll be fascinating to see how Pochettino opts to divvy up the starts between these two. Much of that likely will be determined through training.
Bench: Jonathan Klinsmann
Klinsmann is the most interesting of the three for several reasons. Of course, he’s the son of former USMNT manager Jurgen Klinsmann. After trying to find a stable situation, Klinsmann signed with Serie C side Cesena. The team got promoted this year, and are sitting mid-table thanks in large part to the California native. Initially the backup keeper, Klinsmann won the starting job in October and hasn’t relinquished it since. He’s played so well for the promoted club that reports indicate Serie A teams have serious interest in him. Seeing Klinsmann playing for the national team at the World Cup given the history with his father would be utterly surreal. Having said that, the talent is there, and he’s one of the few keepers in the pool playing with a level of consistency.
Angel Atienza-Romero