Mauricio Pochettino delivered the news via a pre-recorded video message. By the time the smoke machines cleared on a Fox Sports live show in Times Square, the USA's 2026 World Cup squad was public — and the countdown had officially begun.
The 26-man roster keeps faith with the 2022 core. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Tim Ream, Haji Wright, Sergino Dest, Antonee Robinson, and Gio Reyna all make the cut. Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and goalkeeper Matt Freese are among the new names fighting for relevance in a squad that needs to produce more than the Round of 16 exit in Qatar.
The goalkeeper question isn't settled yet
Turner vs. Freese is the one call Pochettino hasn't made. The former Harvard goalkeeper Freese has forced his way into contention, but the first friendly — against Senegal on May 31 — is where the starting jersey gets earned. That's a decision with real consequences. The USA's performance in the group stage will hinge partly on whether whoever plays behind the defense commands their box.
Pulisic is the other name to watch. Pochettino will need his most dangerous player scoring. In 2022, Pulisic carried too much of the attacking burden and paid for it physically. If he goes into this tournament without form or fitness, the USA's odds of advancing deep into the bracket shrink considerably.
Adams sets the tone in midfield
Tyler Adams flew in from a match against Nottingham Forest, landed in New York, and found himself standing in Times Square. He'll anchor the defensive midfield — the same role he played in 2022 — and his reading of the game is what keeps USA's shape intact when things get stretched.
"Once you run out on the grass with the boys, it starts to feel more real," Adams said. That happens in California, where the squad heads to prepare. The fanfare is done. Now Pochettino has to turn a well-assembled group into a team capable of going further than any US side has gone in 32 years of hosting this tournament.
