USMNT World Cup Roster Prediction

(image via Getty Images)

The United States Men’s National Team will announce Mauricio Pochettino’s 26 man World Cup roster on Tuesday. There’s lots of question marks coming into this announcement with what is a very deep player pool by the United States standards. Then the big question for Houston fans is, will Jack McGlynn make the team? Let’s take a look at what we expect Pochettino to do and have some fun and pick our own roster as well.

Goalkeepers

Locks: Matt Freese and Matt Turner

The first two goalkeepers are surely nailed on to be the two Matt’s as nobody else has come close to their level for the national team. Expect Freese to start. Turner does have an outside shot at starting but is likely the main backup.

On the Roster: Chris Brady

Chris Brady seems like the clear third choice now as he’s having a solid season for the Chicago Fire and should make good use of the experience of being on the roster.

Outside Looking In: Patrick Schulte, Roman Celentano, and Brian Schwake

You can make a fair argument for any of these three players to be on the roster for the third choice or backup keeper. Unfortunately for them, Turner will get the nod with his experience and Brady is seen as a bright prospect for the team and has already received multiple camp callups ahead of them. Although, with Schwake’s form, he deserves a proper look soon.

Fullback/Wingbacks

Locks: Antonee Robinson, Sergino Dest, Timothy Weah, and Max Arfsten

This seems to be the most locked in position group on the roster as all four of these players are constantly called up to every roster and are favorites of Pochettino’s. Robinson is up there as the first name on the team sheet.

On the Roster: Alex Freeman

It’s looking like Alex Freeman is going to make it despite not playing a ton of minutes for Villareal since his winter transfer. However, lately he has been getting minutes and looking fairly impressive in La Liga. His versatility also makes him a wide center back option in a back three as well.

Outside Looking In: Joe Scally

Pochettino just never has seemed to be very high on Scally despite him having another solid club season for the Borussia Mönchengladbach. His performances have not translated to the national team in the way he would have liked and will likely miss the roster as one of the bigger snubs.

Center Backs

Locks: Chris Richards and Tim Ream

These are two obvious selections, as Chris Richards is the clear best center back in the pool and Tim Ream is one of the veteran leaders on the team. Chris Richards is dealing with an ankle injury but is looking good to go for the tournament.

On the Roster: Auston Trusty, Mark McKenzie, and Noahki Banks

Auston Trusty and Mark McKenzie have shown to be solid players whenever they put on the national team jersey and have been regulars in the last few camps. Noahki Banks is probably the biggest shock selection of the roster, but I do expect him to be there. He has brought in some controversy surrounding whether he wants to play for Germany or the United States, but the rumors are swirling that he has picked the United States and will play at the World Cup.

Outside Looking In: Miles Robinson, Tristan Blackmon, George Campbell

Tristan Blackmon will be unlucky to miss out as he’s been fantastic in MLS. However, Miles Robinson cannot say the same as he’s been fairly poor and far from his best in 2026. George Campbell has made a late surge to put his name in the hat following an impressive season with West Brom, however I don’t see him making the cut although he deserves an opportunity in the next cycle.

Center Midfielders

Locks: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Cristian Roldan

Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie speak for themselves as they are arguably the two most talented players on the roster. Say what you want about Roldan, but Pochettino always calls him up and relies on his as a leader on this team and will 100% be on the roster whether we all like it or not.

On the Roster: Aidan Morris, Sebastian Berhalter, and Tanner Tessmann

Aidan Morris and Sebastian Berhalter have really earned their spots after hitting the form of their careers in the last few months. Tessmann has been inconsistent this year at Lyon, but should still make it as he provides a strong defensive profile and the potential versatility to play center back if they get desperate.

Outside looking In: Jack McGlynn, Yunus Musah, and Timothy Tillman

It pains me not to put Jack on the roster, but I just don’t think it will happen. I believe he has been fantastic and has earned it, however Sebastian Berhalter has just been that bit better and will get the nod over him. Yunus Musah looked like a complete lock to start in the next two World Cups following his fantastic performances in Qatar, but his form has fell off a cliff completely and he looks out of Pochettino’s plans. Tillman has been a fringe player that will likely miss out after a subpar season so far.

Attacking Midfielders/Wingers

Locks: Christian Pulisic and Brendan Aaronson

Pulisic is a no brainer as the most talented attacker at the club level in the U.S. national team’s history. Aaronson has been a regular for a Premier League team this year and should have no problem cracking the roster.

On the Roster: Malik Tillman and Giovanni Reyna

Tillman should be there as he’s had a solid start to life in Germany and has been good under Pochettino. Reyna probably shouldn’t make the roster based on form and minutes, but Pochettino clearly values his creativity off the bench.

Outside Looking In: Diego Luna, Zavier Gozo, and Alex Zendejas

Diego Luna can be potentially be the big snub of the roster as it seems that Pochettino might value some more experienced players. If he makes it in it will be a subtraction of another position. Gozo is super exciting and we all want him there, but I don’t see it happening. Zendejas has been in flying form but just doesn’t seem to be in the plans.

Strikers

Locks: Folarin Balogun

Balogun has been flying in 2026, scoring in almost every game for Monaco, and will start almost every game at this tournament.

On the Roster: Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright

Pepi had an injury scare but looks good to go and he will play a huge role off the bench. Wright is the perfect third choice striker as he provides a unique profile that can help in the later stages of games.

Outside Looking In: Josh Sargent, Brian White, and Julian Hall

Josh Sargent has not yet hit the ground running in MLS after his recent switch to Toronto FC. Brian White has been fantastic but just doesn’t seem to be in the plans ahead of Pepi and Wright. Julian Hall could be a fun wild card and you can cap-tie him, however it is unlikely he gets the call.

Full Roster

Goalkeepers: Matt Freese, Matt Turner, and Chris Brady

Defenders: Antonee Robinson, Max Arfsten, Sergino Dest, Timothy Weah, Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Auston Trusty, Mark McKenzie, and Noahki Banks

Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Aidan Morris, Weston McKennie, Cristian Roldan, Sebastian Berhalter, and Tanner Tessmann

Attackers: Christian Pulisic, Malik Tillman, Diego Luna, Giovanni Reyna, Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and Haji Wright

That is what we expect Mauricio Pochettino’s squad to look like, however I thought it would be fun to pick my own if I was in Pochettino’s shoes. Here is that roster.

Goalkeepers: Matt Freese, Matt Turner, and Brian Schwake

Defenders: Antonee Robinson, Sergino Dest, Auston Trusty, Alex Freeman, Chris Richards, Joe Scally, Tristan Blackmon, Jackson Ragen, and Timothy Weah

Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Jack McGlynn, Tanner Tessmann, and Sebastian Berhalter

Attackers: Christian Pulisic, Diego Luna, Zavier Gozo, Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi, Folarin Balogun, Brendan Aarondon, and Brian White.