Pochettino Names USMNT World Cup Squad For 2026, Highlighting Pulisic And Adams

Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed a 26-player USMNT World Cup squad for this summer, headed by Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. Thirteen members return from the Qatar 2022 last-16 run, while the remaining players prepare for a first appearance at this level.

For the first time in the modern era, every USMNT World Cup squad member is contracted to a top-flight club, judged by each team’s league status next season. Pochettino has also blended experienced internationals with emerging players across the pitch.

Pulisic leads the group after a strong campaign for AC Milan, with 10 goals and four assists in all competitions. Adams is rewarded for impressive form at Bournemouth, who clinched Europa League qualification on the Premier League’s final day.

McKennie also arrives in good shape following a productive season at Juventus. The midfielder delivered 15 goal contributions, with nine goals and six assists, a figure exceeded at the club only by Kenan Yildiz, who finished the 2025-26 campaign on 24 goal involvements.

The headline omission is Diego Luna of Real Salt Lake. Luna broke into Pochettino’s plans around 16 months ago and impressed during the previous year’s Gold Cup with effective attacking performances, but still misses out on a World Cup place.

In contrast, Gio Reyna secures selection despite a limited role at Borussia Monchengladbach in 2026. Reyna has played 137 minutes across eight appearances since the start of the calendar year, yet is preferred in the attacking positions ahead of Luna.

Age profile and fixtures for USMNT World Cup squad

Pochettino has aimed for balance between youth and experience. The 26-player group has an average age of 26 years and 332 days, making it the fifth-youngest United States side ever sent to a World Cup tournament.

United States open Group D against Paraguay on 12 June. A meeting with Australia follows one week later in Seattle. Pochettino’s team then complete their group schedule against Turkiye on 25 June at SoFi Stadium, seeking progress beyond the last 16.

Attacking options and depth in USMNT World Cup squad

The forward line includes Coventry City striker Haji Wright and AS Monaco’s Folarin Balogun, giving Pochettino several options in attack. The head coach is targeting a first World Cup quarter-final appearance for United States since 2002, supported by depth across positions.

Coventry City’s Wright and Monaco’s Balogun join wide options Tim Weah and Alejandro Zendejas, plus versatile attackers Brenden Aaronson and Malik Tillman. Their involvement complements the creativity of Pulisic and Reyna, with Ricardo Pepi also featuring among the central striking choices.

Full list of players in USMNT World Cup squad

The squad spans Major League Soccer, Premier League, Serie A, Ligue 1, LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Premiership, Mexican, German and French competitions, underlining a wide spread of experience at club level ahead of the tournament on home soil.

Pochettino’s USMNT World Cup squad is drawn entirely from top-division clubs and includes a core that reached the last 16 in Qatar. With a relatively young average age and several in-form players, United States seek at least one step further this time.