USA World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Mauricio Pochettino

Tessmann left out — the midfield is light without him

Tanner Tessmann is the big omission. The Lyon midfielder was widely expected to be a starter in the middle of the park for the USA at this tournament. Pochettino cited a muscle strain at the end of the season but reports suggest it was also a tactical decision. The midfield looks genuinely light without him. Adams, McKennie, Roldan and Berhalter give Pochettino options but none of them offer what Tessmann brings — the ability to dominate possession in a deep block and drive forward with purpose. It is a decision Pochettino will be judged on if the USA struggle to control games.

Pulisic, Balogun, Pepi and Wright — the most exciting forward line in years

Christian Pulisic leads a genuinely exciting attack. Folarin Balogun scored 19 goals for Monaco this season. Ricardo Pepi matched him with 19 for PSV. Haji Wright scored 17 in the Championship for Coventry. Three strikers with genuine European pedigree at clubs where they have been playing regularly and performing. If Pochettino can work out how to rotate and deploy them effectively the USA could be genuinely dangerous going forward. This forward line is the most exciting thing about this squad.

Gio Reyna — the gamble Pochettino had to take

Gio Reyna makes the squad despite barely starting for Borussia Monchengladbach since December. Pochettino has backed his quality even when his form and fitness have been inconsistent throughout the season. It is a gamble that could pay off beautifully — Reyna at his best is the most technically gifted player the USA has produced in a generation. Or it could blow up completely. There is no middle ground with Reyna at a tournament. He either becomes the player everyone knows he can be, or the injury concerns that have followed him for three years resurface at the worst possible time.

Scally in ahead of Dest — a surprising call

Joe Scally gets in ahead of Sergino Dest and it is one of the more surprising inclusions in this squad. Dest had been widely expected to make the cut but his injury-hit season at AC Milan counted against him. Scally's versatility — able to play across the entire backline — convinced Pochettino that he was the safer option. It is a conservative pick over an exciting one, which tells you something about how Pochettino is thinking about the defensive structure of this side.

13 players making their World Cup debut

Thirteen players are making their World Cup debut at this tournament. That is more than half the squad. This is a young, exciting squad being built for the future as much as the present. Pochettino is investing in the pipeline at the same time as trying to do something meaningful as the host nation. The home crowd in Los Angeles, New York and Kansas City will be extraordinary and could carry some of these players through moments they would not otherwise survive. Home advantage at a 48-team World Cup is a real thing.

Group D: Paraguay, Australia, Turkey — the home crowd will be electric

The USA are in Group D with Paraguay, Australia and Turkey. Pochettino needs this group stage to go smoothly to build momentum for the knockouts. Paraguay are the most dangerous opponent — physical, organised and capable of nicking a result. Australia under Graham Arnold are well-drilled. Turkey have quality throughout. But the USA at home, with 80,000 fans behind them in every game, is a formidable proposition for any side. Pochettino needs to manage the expectation that comes with hosting while keeping the squad focused on the football.

Cardoso out with a tournament-ending injury — another midfield blow

Johnny Cardoso is out with a tournament-ending injury and it is a real blow for the USA. The Atletico Madrid player would have added genuine quality and composure in the middle of the park alongside Adams. He is exactly the kind of holding midfielder who makes everyone around him better — he wins the ball, he passes simply, he never panics. Losing him alongside Tessmann's omission means the midfield is significantly weaker than Pochettino would have wanted. Two genuine starters gone before the first whistle.

Who is in the USA World Cup 2026 squad?

Mauricio Pochettino named a 26-man USA squad for World Cup 2026. The squad includes three goalkeepers, nine defenders, six midfielders and eight forwards. Tyler Adams captains the side. Notable omissions include Tanner Tessmann and Sergino Dest. Johnny Cardoso was ruled out with injury.

Is Christian Pulisic in the USA World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. Christian Pulisic is in the USA World Cup 2026 squad and is the standout name in an exciting forward line alongside Balogun, Pepi and Wright. The AC Milan forward leads the attack as the hosts.

Why was Tanner Tessmann left out of the USA World Cup squad?

Tanner Tessmann was left out of the USA World Cup 2026 squad by Mauricio Pochettino. Pochettino cited a muscle strain at the end of the season but there were also reported tactical reasons behind the decision. His absence has left the midfield significantly lighter than many expected.

Who is the USA captain at World Cup 2026?

Tyler Adams is the USA captain at World Cup 2026. The Bournemouth midfielder is one of the most experienced players in the squad and leads the side as the hosts.

What group are the USA in at World Cup 2026?

The USA are in Group D at World Cup 2026 alongside Paraguay, Australia and Turkey.

Is Gio Reyna in the USA World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. Gio Reyna is in the USA World Cup 2026 squad despite a difficult club season. Pochettino included him on the strength of his ability rather than his recent form. Reyna barely started for Borussia Monchengladbach after December but Pochettino's faith in him has been rewarded with a place in the squad.