Club América winger Alejandro Zendejas has secured a spot on the United States' 26-man roster for this summer's World Cup, while Lyon defensive midfielder Tanner Tessmann has been left out. The selections, obtained by the Guardian from multiple sources, reveal key decisions by head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Key Inclusions and Omissions
The roster confirms Zendejas's inclusion and Tessmann's absence, alongside the selection of Borussia Mönchengladbach's Gio Reyna and the omission of Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna. US Soccer declined to comment ahead of the official announcement on Tuesday in New York City.
Reyna and Berhalter Make the Cut
Gio Reyna, despite limited playing time for Mönchengladbach this season, has been included after featuring in the club's final five league matches. Pochettino has consistently praised the 23-year-old, stating his willingness to select him regardless of club form. Reyna's past involvement in a high-profile incident during the 2022 World Cup, where he nearly was sent home for behavioral issues, and subsequent family disputes with former coach Gregg Berhalter, have shadowed his career.
Sebastian Berhalter, son of the former USMNT coach, also made the roster. The 25-year-old, who never represented the US at youth levels, earned his place through impressive development since joining Vancouver Whitecaps in 2022. He made the MLS Best XI last year, leading the Whitecaps to their first MLS Cup berth and Concacaf Champions Cup final. Berhalter also provides a dead-ball specialist for corner kicks.
Luna and Tessmann Miss Out
Diego Luna, a key contributor during the USMNT's World Cup buildup, was omitted despite frequent praise from Pochettino for his aggressiveness. The 22-year-old scored four goals in 17 appearances in 2025 and returned from injury with strong form, netting four goals and two assists in seven MLS starts since April 1. He also featured in promotional ads for the tournament, but a federation spokesperson clarified that Pochettino had no role in those selections.
Tanner Tessmann, 24, suffered a muscle strain at Lyon two weeks ago but was still expected to be included. It remains unclear if his exclusion is injury-related. The FC Dallas academy product appeared in 29 league matches for Lyon this season, starting 22. Middlesbrough's Aidan Morris was also omitted despite featuring heavily in March friendlies. Both seemed likely to make the cut after Johnny Cardoso's high-grade ankle injury.
Roster Composition
The squad includes only four central or defensive midfielders: Weston McKennie, Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan, and Tyler Adams. McKennie is expected to play further upfield after his attacking midfield role in March. The defensive corps has 10 players, including center-back Chris Richards, who is included despite a torn ankle ligament. Missing is Noahkai Banks, a dual-national who declined a US call-up in March.
Goalkeeper Chris Brady joins Matt Freese and Matt Turner. Brady, 22, is among the most in-form keepers in MLS but remains uncapped. He is the presumed No. 3 choice. Thirteen of the 26 players are making their second World Cup roster, while the other half are first-time selections.
Upcoming Matches
The USMNT will play final preparatory matches against Senegal on May 31 and Germany on June 6. Managers must submit rosters to FIFA by June 1, with changes allowed only in exceptional circumstances approved by FIFA's medical committee.
Full USMNT 2026 World Cup Roster
First-time selections indicated with an asterisk.
Goalkeepers (3): Chris Brady* (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese* (New York City), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)
Defenders (10): Max Arfsten* (Columbus Crew), Sergiño Dest (PSV), Alex Freeman* (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie* (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards* (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson* (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Auston Trusty* (Celtic)
Midfielders (4): Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter* (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)
Attacking midfielders/wingers (6): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Christian Pulisic (Milan), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Malik Tillman* (Bayer Leverkusen), Tim Weah (Marseille), Alejandro Zendejas* (Club América)
Strikers (3): Folarin Balogun* (AS Monaco), Ricardo Pepi* (PSV), Haji Wright (Coventry City)
