What does the World Cup roster look like today?

The United States Men’s National Team is preparing for the 2026 World Cup, and as co-hosts they will have a lot of pressure on their shoulders. It will be the biggest sporting event the planet’s ever seen, and most of the matches will take place within our borders. So for head coach Mauricio Pochettino, he has a huge question facing him in a few months: who do you pick to inspire a nation? The USMNT World Cup roster will be the most coveted 26 spots of a generation, and everyone who is healthy and in a position to impress Pochettino and the coaching staff wants one of those golden tickets.

So, if the World Cup opened today, who would be a part of the 26-man roster? There are probably 55-60 guys who are in the player pool, with probably 35-40 with a realistic chance of playing their way onto the roster. But, only 26 players will be able to say they were on the 2026 World Cup roster. Here’s a look at who we think is on Mauricio Pochettino’s list were the World Cup taking place right now.

Goalkeepers (3): Matt Freese (NYCFC), Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)

What’s very clear is that Matt Freese is the starter. He has received the lion’s share of the minutes at the goalkeeper spot and he has played the best over the past year of any goalkeeper in the pool. Former starter Matt Turner, despite not appearing in a few camps, is likely on the roster as the backup goalkeeper. His shot stopping ability is useful on this team should Freese not be able to go. Patrick Schulte has likely done enough to separate himself from the others as the third option, though that may be one of Pochettino’s toughest decisions.

Defenders (8): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)

With the move to a 3-man back line with 2 wingbacks, Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t need to bring a starting XI worth of defenders. He wants guys that are versatile and will be able to play in multiple positions at a high level. The question marks would be the depth at the wingback/fullback positions and whatever the coach’s preference will be as to personnel to back up Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest. The centerback combinations will be key as well, as they will have to remain connected while defending a lot of ground when the wingbacks move forward. Right now, Tim Ream and Chris Richards would be two of those starters, and the question is who would join them on that 3-man back line and who would come off the bench.

Midfielders (8): Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Tanner Tessmann (Lyon), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen)

This is arguably the deepest position group in the player pool when everyone is healthy. But, because of the injuries, there have been players that have been given new opportunities to impress and they’ve taken advantage of that change. Because of that, there will be some preference decisions on the part of Mauricio Pochettino. He will want guys that are playing consistently at a high level both for club and country, and the competition is only enhanced by the great performances some of them have had when given a chance to play. The biggest question marks will be Cristian Roldan and Tanner Tessmann and whether Pochettino wants what they bring to the table in camp and potentially on the field. Gio Reyna could also be a question mark, but despite his lack of playing time on the club level, he proved during the November window what he can do when you put him in a USA jersey and stick him on the field. Other guys can play their way onto the roster, but they need to take their games to a very high level quickly.

Forwards (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Tim Weah (Marseille), Haji Wright (Coventry City), Alex Zendejas (Club América)

Being a part of the forward group, you have one job: score. The wingers can create goals, but the entire unit needs to up their scoring production. These are the guys who will be called upon by Pochettino to deliver. Of course, Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah are going to be the veterans of the group, but Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi will need to put shots away as well. Haji Wright beats out Josh Sargent due to his production, and Alex Zendejas brings a dynamic that Pochettino has to include on the roster. Zendejas won’t shy away from the challenge, so he gets the final ticket to this World Cup team.

Who do you think Pochettino includes on the World Cup roster if the tournament began today? Discuss it all, and of course everything can change between now and May when Pochettino makes it official.