The worst-kept secret is officially out.
U.S. Soccer announced the USMNT’s 26-man roster for the World Cup with no surprises after it had leaked over the holiday weekend. The announcement was made live on Fox during a special event held at Pier 17 against the backdrop of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
The biggest shock came on Saturday when The Guardian first revealed the full squad and the surprising omissions of midfielders Tanner Tessmann and Diego Luna, both of whom were expected to make the team after playing significant roles in previous U.S men’s national team camps.
Tessmann had seemed like a sure thing to make the squad prior to the news, but his exclusion now leaves the American squad headed to the World Cup thin at the position.
New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese made the cut after breaking out as a star in net for the United States last year, and Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams are some of the star names that make up this year’s squad.
Polarizing winger Gio Reyna also made Mauricio Pochettino’s squad after his inclusion had been widely debated in the lead-up to 2026.
Long Island native Joe Scally was also included in the final squad.
Full USMNT World Cup roster
Goalkeepers (3): Matt Freese (NYCFC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution), Chris Brady (Chicago Fire)
Center backs (5): Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Auston Trusty (Celtic FC), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
Outside backs (5): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach)
Central/holding midfielders (4): Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)
Attacking midfielders/wingers (6): Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Brendan Aaronson (Leeds United), Tim Weah (Marseille), Gio Reyna (Borussia Monchengladbach), Alejandro Zendejas (Club América)
Strikers (3): Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Haji Wright (Coventry City)