The dust has settled from this Summer’s Gold Cup. With the final official competition for the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) before the 2026 World Cup behind us, now’s a good time to assess where the players stand. Who has the best chance of making Pochettino’s USMNT World Cup squad? This is a different team than Berhalter’s squad, so that has to be taken into account. Mauricio Pochettino has so far shown an openness for less flashy names, and a willingness to try out MLS players that haven’t been seen since the Bruce Arena years. At the same time, there’s enough quality in Europe that many players demand to be on the roster based on their 2024-25 season performances. Still, 11 months out until the 2026 World Cup, there’s arguably never been less clarity on where the team stands. So, without further ado, here are our picks heading into Fall friendlies.
Pack Your Bags, Boys
Christian Pulisic – F, AC Milan (Italy)
David: Pulisic’s short sabbatical is more understandable than Lando’s, so our current overly-verbose, visionary coach shouldn’t have an excuse to dump him…right….right? RIGHT?
Michael: Even though he was too tired to play this past season, he will always be picked.
Andrew: Not picking prime Pulisic is like not picking prime Lebron (see what I did there?)
Kirk: He’s been indispensable for Milan under 4 different coaches. The new coach, Max Allegri, named Pulisic as one of 4 “untouchable” players. I suspect by the end of September, everyone will have forgotten the little Summer dust-up about the Gold Cup.
Antonee Robinson – D, Fulham (England)
David: The way of the Jedi is a direct path to the starting lineup next summer.
Andrew: He’d be the starting left back even if he was playing in the Championship.
Kirk: He’s become world-class at left-back. An obvious choice to be among the first on the roster.
Chris Richards – D, Crystal Palace (England)
David: After being the USMNT’s brightest spot in an otherwise disappointing summer, it’s safe to say that Richards has finally fulfilled every bit of promise.
Andrew: Chris Richards is arguably the FIRST name you think of at CB for this squad.
Kirk: One of only a handful of players who clearly benefited from the Gold Cup, he rose from the many CB options to be the CB1 for the USMNT.
Malik Tillman – M/F, Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)
Michael: With him single-handedly leading PSV to the Eredivisie title and the big move to Leverkusen, he’s walking on sunshine now. Just a bad season with no goals would keep him off the team in the summer.
David: If he takes the reins in Leverkusen, he’ll do the same for the USMNT.
Kirk: Probably had the most transformative Gold Cup. He had a rock-solid season at PSV, but hadn’t quite put it all together for the USMNT… until this Summer. Now, it’s legitimate to discuss whether he’ll be the starting CAM next Summer.
Timothy Weah – F, Juventus (Italy)
Michael: This is a funny one. a very good player but not always on the tip of anyone’s tongue.
David: I still don’t understand what’s great about this player, but at least now I can see that there is something great about this player.
Andrew: If he’s fit, he’s in the starting XI. Undoubtedly.
Kirk: Weah is the opposite of Tillman in some ways: hasn’t always performed at club level, but has been clutch for the USMNT. No doubt he’s on the roster, unless his 2025-26 season completely falls off a cliff.
Tyler Adams – M, Bournemouth (England)
David: Still the heart and soul of the USMNT, but he might need to look out for a guy named Johnny.
Andrew: Injury stalled him for a year. But 2026 will be his year to shine.
Kirk: Barring injury, Adams is a lock on the USMNT roster, and a sure-fire starter. Johnny has not approached his level with the national team, David. Not even close.
Nearly a Lock
Weston McKennie – M, Juventus (Italy)
David: At this point, Wes is the Chuck Norris of the USMNT. The only question is how many roundhouse-kick goals he will score in the final…even if the US is already eliminated.
Andrew: For me this is almost a guaranteed starter. He has the attitude you need in the squad.
Kirk: McKennie is only down in this section because of the typical Summer churn with Juventus. Like in the previous two Summers, he will undoubtedly start the season hot, set those doubts aside, and be once again a reliable figure for both Juventus and the USMNT.
Michael: I really like the guy. But sometimes I don’t. Then again, I just can’t see him not being on the team.
Ricardo Pepi – F, PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)
Michael: He should be PSV’s starter now that de Jong has left. It’s make or break time for him.
David: No player in the USMNT pool has bigger expectations on his shoulders this season. As Tupac said: All Eyez on Me.
Andrew: His player profile is one we need. I just want him to score more goals.
Sergino Dest – D, PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands)
David: Only another injury will keep him away. I already regret having written those words.
Michael: He’s a very good player and a very smart player (when he isn’t getting crazy red cards) so I will guarantee that the only thing to keep him off the team is anther injury. Don’t get injured again!
Andrew: The Mexico spat red card still haunts me. If he does that in the WC26 I will lose my mind.
Kirk: Dest is only in this category because he’s just now returning from a long-term ACL injury. After a month or two of solid, healthy playing at PSV, he should move up to the top section. Like Jedi on the left, Dest provides a dynamic aspect to the USMNT on the right that no other current US player can offer.
Diego Luna – M, Real Salt Lake (USA)
Michael: A very good Gold Cup really helped his chances. A move to Europe could make him a certainty.
David: He still needs to develop, but he can become the sort of late sub whose unpredictable creativity can victimize tired contenders in the knockout round.
Andrew: LOVE this guy. Should be sniffing a starting spot IMO, all heart no breaks.
Kirk: “Big Balls” Luna grew up from “Moon Boy” to “Moon Man” in front of our eyes. His tenacity quickly made Pochettino a fan, and is probably one of HIS first few names on the roster. He’s on the plane.
Fairly Safe Bet
Folarin Balogun – F, Monaco (France)
Michael: Is it me, or did he just fade away last season?
David: He’s fallen off since joining Monaco but his talent ceiling is still the highest amongst our batch of strikers.
Andrew: A once instant starter brings a “does this guy still exist at USMNT level?” vibe, hoping for the best.
Kirk: The most complete striker on the US roster, but injuries have set him back. Pepi is ahead of him because of club play, but Balogun should still make the roster with a rebound season in League 1.
Yunus Musah – M, AC Milan (Italy)
David: Needs to leave Milan, but might still make the team even if he doesn’t.
Andrew: I have all of the time in the world for Musah, he’s level headed, solid, and consistent. I’ll take him over Reyna any day of the week.
Kirk: While the MMA starting midfield is no longer a certainty for the USMNT under Poch, there’s still no MUSAH without USA for me. He needs a rebound season, which may or may not be with AC Milan. But he’s always shown up to play for the US.
Matt Turner – GK, Lyon (France) ??
Michael: If he actually plays for his new team, he should be a shoo-in.
David: Our best choice at our weakest position. At this point, Tim Howard could make a fortune selling his stem cells to the current rabble of USMNT goalkeeping duds.
Kirk: If he actually goes to (and starts for) a new team, he could be in the conversation. With the move to Lyon seemingly falling apart, for me, Turner could be anywhere from starting keeper to not even making the roster.
Andrew: The fact that 13 guys are above this pick AND none of them are GKs shows you the state of our USMNT GK pool. Not that any off them aren’t good. But we used to be DOMINANT. Give me that guy, please. And I don’t think it’s Turner.
Tim Ream – D, Charlotte FC (USA)
Michael: I think he’s beyond it age-wise but it isn’t me who selects the team.
Andrew: I mean… at least he doesn’t have to travel to a different country? Maybe that saves his legs?
Kirk: The former Fulham captain (and sometimes USMNT captain) has been CB1 for the USMNT for far-longer than anyone expected. With Chris Richards’ ascendance this year, the question is whether Ream can still stay as a viable CB2, or depth option. For experience alone, my money is on him making the roster.
In a Battle
Josh Sargent – F, Norwich City (England)
Michael: Stay healthy, bang in some goals and you’ll be on the plane home next summer, and not just for a vacation.
David: Protect your ankles like you would protect a newborn baby! We need you on the roster.
Andrew: Sometimes you just need to find your level. And for our sakes, we hope that it’s banging in Prem and WC26 goals.
Brenden Aaronson – F, Leeds United (England)
David: The talent is there, the consistency is still lacking. He’s at risk.
Andrew: Brenden is a worker. Poch likes effort. I think he is for sure on the roster, but not a starter.
Kirk: The hustle is there. The results have been uneven. Is the English Championship Brenden’s level? Is coming off the bench for 20 minutes his USMNT ceiling?
Johnny Cardoso – M, Atlético Madrid (Spain)
David: If he becomes a main man at Atlético, Tyler Adams might need to watch his back.
Kirk: Adams is safe for now. Johnny had a rock-solid season at Real Betis, translating to a big-money move to Atlético Madrid. But starting (or getting minutes) at Madrid is not guaranteed. Johnny has a big season ahead. If it pans out, and if his game finally translates to the National Team, then Poch has a big new weapon. If not, we could have a scenario where an Atlético player doesn’t make the USMNT World Cup roster.
Gio Reyna – F, Borussia Dortmund (Germany, for now)
David: Is another Yank having a career resurgence in Italy too much to ask for?
Michael: Stick a fork in Gio, he’s done. Not even sure why he’s still in any nats conversation. He has had chances and not really taken advantage of them both at club and country.
Andrew: He’s like an old snow globe with a wind up ballerina set to beautiful music. When it works, it’s amazing. But otherwise it’s just broken.
Kirk: No other player on this roster has fallen so far so fast as Reyna has this past year. And yet, he’s still in the conversation. A successful move to the right club (is Parma happening?) could bring him back into the fold. For now, he’s on the outside looking in–but many of us are rooting for him for a comeback.
Matt Freese – GK, New York City FC (USA)
David: I drew his name out of a hat for possible #3 keepers. Danny DeVito’s name was also in the hat. That’s our reality.
Andrew: After that Gold Cup PK shootout I went to the text group to sing this guy’s praises.
Kirk: He was out-of-this-world in the PK shootout versus Costa Rica, making 4 saves. He was merely above-average the rest of the tournament. Right now, that puts him ahead of Turner.
Patrick Agyemang – F, Derby County (England)
Andrew: Your man is 6’4 and from the NE. Isn’t there an unwritten USMNT selection rule of old that says if you’re from the NE you’re in?
Kirk: Poch inexplicably (to many of us) likes this guy. He has him ahead of Sargent going into the 2025-26 season. Will that hold true come Spring/Summer of 2026? I say no.
Haji Wright – F, Coventry City (England)
Andrew: A 10 year pro who’s had 8 clubs seems to have settled down in the Championship. Very versatile option to have in the squad.
Kirk: He’s behind Pulisic at left Wing, and 3rd or 4th choice at striker. But his versatility may help him make the roster.
Sebastian Berhalter – M, Vancouver Whitecaps (Canada)
Andrew: THIS pick… Oof. I don’t know about this one, boss.
Kirk: I am not a fan of Berhalter… but Pochettino clearly is, and he’s the one picking the roster.
Work to Do
Mark McKenzie – D, Toulouse (France)
Michael: I watched him a lot in Belgium and he was a very good defender but doesn’t bring the same energy to the national team
David: We’re beginning to wonder if his full promise will ever materialize.
Andrew: I mean, you need another CB. But if that’s why you get in…
Zack Steffen – GK, Colorado Rapids (USA)
David: Still the best backup to Turner, which ain’t sayin’ much.
Andrew: Whoever has the best next 10 months will become the starter. Regardless of “where” they play. Poch isn’t a dummy (right?).
Kirk: Poch keeps calling him into camps, Steffen keeps getting hurt. Will he keep getting chances?
Bubble Busters
Cameron Carter-Vickers – D, Celtic (Scotland)
David: The fact that he’s still at Celtic (at the time of publication) after several years reveals his limited ceiling.
Andrew: The fact that he’s still at Celtic shows consistency (take that, Dave).
Kirk: See Trusty, below.
Auston Trusty – D, Celtic (Scotland)
Kirk: Like CCV, his defensive partner at Celtic, Trusty is currently on the outside looking in with Pochettino’s USMNT squad. A solid campaign in the Scottish Championship can only do so much–Trusty and CCV need to take advantage any remaining opportunities they have to impress Poch in upcoming friendlies.
Andrew: I remember one of Trusty’s first games, he was electric. Can he capture the imagination of the nation? I’m not sure.
Max Arfsten – D, Columbus Crew (USA)
Kirk: Arfsten had an up-and-down Gold Cup. He had the dubious distinction of contributing to all 4 goals for BOTH teams in the US’ penalty shootout win over Costa Rica (a 2-2 tie at regulation). Arfsten had a goal and an assist for the US, but also conceded a penalty, and was caught out of position and dribbled past on the other Costa Rica goal. A left Winger with the Columbus Crew, and converted into a left back by Poch, he excels on the attack, but is below average defensively. Arfsten could make the team as a Winger as opposed to a left back. It just depends on how much his game improves his season.
Alex Freeman – D, Orlando City (USA)
Kirk: Like Arfsten, he’s an outside back that Poch has been relying on in the absence of Dest. Chosen over Joe Scally, he may still be ahead of him in the depth chart… but it still doesn’t mean he makes the roster.
Paxten Aaronson – F, Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany)
David: If he earns a starting spot at Frankfurt, he’s in. If not, he’s on the couch, possibly alongside his brother.
Michael: A move to a bigger team, bigger league is usually a good thing. For Pax, it’s a chance to prove his worth or let it be known that he’s not worthy of the national team shirt.
Andrew: Received high praise during the Gold Cup. Must continue his ascendancy.
Kirk: Tyler Adams named Paxten as the guy that most impressed him at the Gold Cup. Despite lack of playing time, that’s high-praise. He’s bound to get another chance or two in upcoming friendlies. I do think he will break through at Frankfurt this season, first as a sub, and eventually as a starter. I like this kid more than his brother.
Cole Campbell – F, Borussia Dortmund (Germany)
David: Every four years we have to put unreasonable hopes and dreams of unimaginable breakout success into one young player…hi Cole, nice to meet you.
Kirk: I do think this kid is good. But at 19 years old, he’s more likely a contender for 2030.
Jack McGlynn – M, Houston Dynamo (USA)
Andrew: I read somewhere that he had the highest pass completion rate IN THE WORLD last season. Is that true?
Kirk: Not quite, Andrew, but… he DID hold the highest pass completion rate (85.8%) with the Philadelphia Union for 3 years in a row (2021-2023). The 22-year old with the lethal left foot is now with the Houston Dynamo. Poch seems to like him, although his minutes diminished after a strong start in this Summer’s Gold Cup.
DeJuan Jones – D, San Jose Earthquakes (USA)
David: Pochettino doesn’t ignore MLS guys as much as I do, so I’ll add this name I’ve seen on USMNT rosters before.
Griffin Yow – F, Westerlo (Belgium)
Michael: I like the guy but except for the last Olympics, he doesn’t get much recognition.
Walker Zimmerman – D, Nashville (USA)
David: If FIFA allows a 26-player roster again, those leadership-type guys who are great in the locker room but won’t ever see the field are a luxury that can be afforded.
Matthew Hoppe – F, Sønderjyske (Denmark)
David: Just checking to see if everybody is still awake. SønderwhatskE?
Marlon Fossey, D, Standard Liege (Belgium)
Michael: I have to give some of my Belgian based boys kudos. Marlon has been named team captain and is going into his fourth season in a very competitive league where he has performed well; not spectacular, but well.
Do you agree or disagree with our picks? Who should be on the plane that isn’t and who do you think we picked that will be watching the tournament at home on their widescreen televisions? Drop us a line below or on our Facebook page. If you impress us with your picks, you could join us as a guest pundit for the next edition of 26 Tickets to The 2026 World Cup. And stay tuned to this page for more articles on the USMNT 26-man roster as the Road to the 2026 World Cup kicks into high gear.
Note: Yanks Abroad’s Michael Adubato (Michael), David Smith (David), Andrew Vorce (Andrew), and Kirk Theophanous (Kirk) compiled this feature.
