2026 USMNT Roster Predictions

Thomas Deschaine (@uskeeper on X and us_keeper on Instagram)

The official USMNT roster will be released Tuesday, May 26th in New York City, and there’s already plenty of debate among media, fans, and analysts about who should make the squad and what Mauricio Pochettino is likely to do.

Here’s a breakdown of each position, including what I think Pochettino will do and what I would do. What are your thoughts, and which players do you think will miss out?

Goalkeepers

It’s clear that Matt Freese and Matt Turner have done enough to establish themselves as the top two goalkeeping options, but the third goalkeeper spot remains up for debate.

Many fans want to see a younger goalkeeper, such as Chris Brady or Diego Kochen, included with the hope they can eventually become the USMNT’s long-term No. 1 in this cycle or the next. Others would prefer a more experienced option with stronger club resumes, like Roman Celentano, Patrick Schulte, or Zack Steffen.

Here’s what I think Pochettino will do, and what I would do.

Defenders

The USMNT defense, particularly at center back, has looked unsettled and inconsistent, raising real questions about what the back line will ultimately look like. There’s still uncertainty around whether the team will defend in a two- or three-center-back system, and that decision will shape everything else.

Continuity in defense is essential for a team’s success, but right now that consistency hasn’t been established. Much of that will need to be developed quickly through the upcoming friendlies and into the group stage, though there’s a real concern that it may be a case of too little, too late for the group to fully gel.

There also aren’t many clear-cut surprises expected in this area of the roster. The main competition appears to be between Auston Trusty and Joe Scally for a similar role, while questions remain about where Tim Weah is best utilized defensively or higher up the field. On top of that, there’s the added uncertainty of whether Noahkai Banks will commit to a roster spot with the USMNT.

Here’s what I think Pochettino will do, and what I would do.

Central Midfielders

Many still consider central midfield one of the USMNT’s stronger areas, but recent injuries have introduced some uncertainty heading into the 2026 World Cup. Johnny Cardoso’s injury, who has been ruled out of the tournament, along with Tanner Tessmann’s whose recent muscle issues has missed several matches for Lyon, has raised legitimate questions about depth in the position.

Those setbacks put added focus on who will partner with Tyler Adams in what is likely to be a double pivot, an area that will be crucial in protecting and connecting play in front of the back line.

Several candidates have emerged in recent discussions. Aidan Morris is frequently mentioned, having been consistently reliable in the EFL Championship with Middlesbrough, who narrowly missed promotion to the Premier League. Others in the mix include Yunus Musah and Gianluca Busio, both of whom have had limited or inconsistent involvement under the Pochettino era so far, leaving their roles still somewhat undefined.

Here’s what I think Pochettino will do, and what I would do.

Attacking Midfielder / Wingers

The biggest question in this group is whether Gio Reyna will be part of the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup roster. Across social media and among USMNT analysts, opinions are sharply divided, with the outlook on Reyna currently feeling close to 50/50.

Beyond that uncertainty, there are clear internal battles for attacking midfield and wide roles. One of the most notable competitions appears to be between Alejandro Zendejas and Diego Luna, with it likely that only one of them will ultimately secure a roster spot. 

Jack McGlynn is another player who could fit into this role or slide into a central midfield position. He remains firmly on the radar and could work his way onto the roster if another player drops out or a spot opens up.

There is also a growing push from some supporters for the inclusion of younger attacking talent. Depending on how the roster shapes out, this could open the door for players like Mathis Albert, Zavier Gozo, or Julian Hall to break into the squad and fill one of those remaining attacking positions.

Here’s what I think Pochettino will do, and what I would do.

Strikers

This may be the only position where a large majority of the USMNT community agrees on at least two of the three striker options, if not all three. Some believe the roster should include a fourth striker, but I’m not in that camp.

After Patrick Agyemang’s injury, the debate over the third striker spot alongside Haji Wright largely disappeared. Brian White continues to make a strong case in MLS, approaching double-digit goal contributions on the season. Beyond those names, however, there don’t appear to be many standout alternatives, with Josh Sargent and Damion Downs currently sitting further down the depth chart.

Here’s what I think Pochettino will do, and what I would do.

USMNT Roster Decisions Impacts

The official USMNT roster will be unveiled Tuesday, May 26th in New York City, and the debate is already heating up among fans, media, and analysts over who deserves a spot and what Mauricio Pochettino’s final decisions will look like.

Below is a position-by-position breakdown of what I believe Pochettino is likely to do, along with the choices I would make if I were building the squad. Which players do you think will make the cut, and who could be left out?