In contrast, forecasting the roster for the U.S. men’s national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was relatively straightforward. There were a few unexpected inclusions—like Alex Zendejas and Miles Robinson being selected—while Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann were left off. However, for the most part, the players chosen by Mauricio Pochettino for the team’s round of 16 performance were obvious to those following the team closely in the lead-up to the tournament.
Following the World Cup, Pochettino secured a new four-year contract, and his first squad announcement will take place on Thursday in preparation for exhibition matches against Peru, Chile, Canada, and the historic rival, Mexico. The composition of this new squad seems less predictable.
During a press briefing on Labor Day, Pochettino mentioned that the September/October training camp would include a blend of young talent and seasoned World Cup players. He indicated that 30 players, including four goalkeepers, would report to Atlanta starting on September 20, though the final roster might be slightly smaller.
One of the key questions looming before Thursday’s announcement is whether Christian Pulisic will be included. Having only made brief appearances in AC Milan’s first three matches of the season, he eventually came off the bench last Saturday to assist in salvaging a draw against Lazio, but it remains uncertain if this will be enough for his selection.
Cavan Sullivan, however, seems to have done enough to earn a call-up. The 16-year-old from the Philadelphia Union scored twice in a recent match, contributing to his team’s 5-0 victory and amassing goal contributions in seven consecutive games. With no under-23 national team activities until November, and given Sullivan’s projected importance for the 2028 Olympic squad, his inclusion appears likely.
Predicting who else will join him is a tougher task. With the 2030 World Cup cycle nearly underway, here are my best educated guesses.
GOALKEEPERS
- Matt Freese
- Chris Brady
- Diego Kochen
- Brian Schwake
Just missed out: Matt Turner
Pochettino stated he would bring in four goalkeepers. Freese, who started in the World Cup, gained valuable experience, while Brady, now the USA’s No. 3, has excelled at the Chicago Fire. Schwake has continued to impress at Nashville, while Kochen is receiving consistent playtime in Denmark. Turner, now 36 and having lost his starting position, may find himself on the outside looking in during this camp.
FULLBACKS
- Antonee Robinson
- George Bello
- Alex Freeman
- Francis Westfield
Just missed out: Luca Bombino, Max Arfsten, Joe Scally, Tim Weah
With experienced players providing mentorship for newcomers, veteran Robinson’s continued selection seems crucial. Arfsten might be omitted following his recent club change, and there’s potential for Bello to return to the national setup after making strides with LASK. Freeman, a World Cup goalscorer, has excelled in Spain, while Westfield is emerging as a top domestic talent.
CENTER BACKS
- Chris Richards
- Mark McKenzie
- Auston Trusty
- Neil Pierre
Just missed out: Miles Robinson, Tristan Blackmon, Cameron Carter-Vickers
Richards remains a cornerstone of the defense, but with Tim Ream aging, a gap appears. Trusty has made a late push for a larger role, while McKenzie’s reliability continues to be valued. The standout name is Pierre, a younger talent making waves in the league.
MIDFIELDERS
- Tyler Adams
- Sebastian Berhalter
- Jack McGlynn
- Aidan Morris
- Yunus Musah
- Giovanni Reyna
Just missed out: Weston McKennie, Johnny Cardoso, Tanner Tessmann, Gianluca Busio
Adams is starting to find his footing, and McGlynn is on track for a return following an injury setback. However, McKennie’s ongoing recovery leaves a vacancy, while Musah’s performance has been critical for AC Milan.
WINGERS
- Sergino Dest
- Brenden Aaronson
- Cavan Sullivan
- Peyton Miller
- Justin Ellis
Just missed out: Christian Pulisic, Diego Luna, Alex Zendejas*
Sullivan is not alone in impressing; Miller, filling in various roles, has made a notable impact. As for Dest and Aaronson, both are cementing their places within the squad, while Pulisic faces uncertainty regarding his role in the team.
STRIKERS
- Ricardo Pepi
- Zavier Gozo
- Julian Hall
Just missed out: Folarin Balogun, Patrick Agyemang, Milan Iloski, Brian White, Haji Wright
Pepi has been productive up front, but options are limited. With injuries affecting others, young talents like Gozo and Hall could find themselves stepping into the squad.
Fan Take: This upcoming roster announcement is pivotal for soccer fans as it sets the stage for the U.S. men’s team moving towards the 2030 World Cup. The mix of experienced players and rising stars could significantly shape the future of American soccer, creating a blend that fans will be excited to rally behind as they aim for success on the global stage.
Source: www.foxsports.com
