The United States men’s national soccer team has completed its 26-player roster for the upcoming World Cup, scheduled to take place this summer across three host nations. Coach Mauricio Pochettino made the final selections ahead of the highly anticipated tournament, which marks his first major competition at the helm of the American squad. The formal announcement is expected after Memorial Day, though multiple sources have confirmed the roster composition includes several key players who participated in previous international tournaments.
Among the confirmed selections are Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, Matt Turner, and Sebastian Berhalter, son of former national team coach Gregg Berhalter. Aaronson previously represented the United States during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, bringing valuable tournament experience to Pochettino’s squad. The inclusion of Sebastian Berhalter marks a significant moment for the player, who continues his international career under new leadership following his father’s departure from the coaching position.
Reyna secures spot despite previous controversies with national team
Gio Reyna has earned a place on the final roster, ending speculation about his future with the national team. The 23-year-old midfielder has remained a polarizing figure since being sent home from the 2022 World Cup due to what were described as behavioral issues. Despite the controversy, Reyna’s talent and potential convinced Pochettino to include him in the squad for the tournament. The Borussia Mönchengladbach player logged 509 minutes during the current season with his German club, demonstrating consistent form leading up to the roster announcement.
Reyna recently addressed the significance of representing his country on the international stage. He expressed his desire to receive the call-up and emphasized the deep personal meaning the national team holds for him. The midfielder, son of former U.S. star Claudio Reyna, stated his hope to make a meaningful impact during the tournament. He described the opportunity to represent the United States at the World Cup as a dream come true, signaling his commitment to moving past previous conflicts and focusing on his performance.
Key roster decisions leave MLS standouts outside final selection
The final roster cuts resulted in difficult decisions for the coaching staff, with several talented players missing out on World Cup selection. Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna did not make the final 26-player squad, despite developing into a key member of the national team’s rotation during 2025. Luna’s exclusion came as a surprise to many observers who followed his consistent performances throughout the qualifying period and friendly matches.
- Luna scored four goals in 18 appearances for the national team during his international career.
- The midfielder recorded 22 goals over three seasons with Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer.
- Zavier Gozo, also from Real Salt Lake, received notification he would not compete this summer.
- Both players demonstrated strong club form but ultimately fell outside Pochettino’s final selection criteria.
The decision to leave Luna out of the squad reflects the competitive nature of roster selection and the depth of talent available to Pochettino. The coach prioritized experience and specific tactical fits for his tournament strategy, leading to the exclusion of several players who contributed during the qualification campaign. Gozo, who plays in MLS for Real Salt Lake alongside Luna, also learned he would not join the national team for the summer tournament.
Tournament preparations advance ahead of opening match against Paraguay
The United States will begin its World Cup campaign on June 12 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The opening match on home soil provides the team with a significant advantage, playing before a supportive crowd in a familiar environment. Pochettino has structured his training camps and preparation schedule to maximize the team’s readiness for the tournament opener, focusing on tactical cohesion and fitness levels.
The roster selection reflects a balance between experienced international players and emerging talent within the American soccer system. Pochettino faced pressure to deliver results at the tournament, with expectations elevated due to the home-field advantage across multiple venues. The coaching staff evaluated players based on current form, tactical versatility, and ability to perform under pressure at the highest level of international competition.
Pochettino builds squad around blend of experience and rising stars
The final roster represents Pochettino’s vision for how the United States will compete against top international opposition. The inclusion of players like Aaronson and Turner, who experienced the 2022 World Cup, provides a foundation of tournament knowledge. These veterans can share insights about managing the unique pressures of World Cup competition with younger teammates making their tournament debuts.
Sebastian Berhalter’s selection adds an intriguing storyline, as he seeks to establish his own legacy separate from his father’s coaching tenure. The younger Berhalter has worked to prove his place on merit rather than family connections. His inclusion in the squad indicates Pochettino’s confidence in his abilities and fit within the tactical system designed for the tournament.
The roster announcement concludes months of evaluation and friendly matches that allowed Pochettino to assess available talent. The Argentine coach implemented his tactical philosophy during the preparation period, identifying players capable of executing his preferred style of play. The World Cup represents a crucial opportunity for American soccer to demonstrate its growth on the global stage, with the added pressure and motivation of competing as a host nation before home crowds.
