USA Unveils 26-Player World Cup Roster, Lineup for Paraguay Opener

Mauricio Pochettino's squad features veteran leadership and young talent ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Four months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Los Angeles, U.S. men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has unveiled his 26-player roster and starting lineup for the tournament opener against Paraguay. The squad features a mix of experienced veterans like captain Tim Ream and rising young stars such as Sergiño Dest and Antonee "Jedi" Robinson, with Pochettino opting for a 3-5-2 formation that maximizes the team's defensive solidity and attacking flair.

Why it matters

The USMNT's World Cup roster and starting lineup reveal provides an early glimpse into Pochettino's plans and the team's strengths and weaknesses ahead of the high-stakes tournament on home soil. With the U.S. looking to build on its Round of 16 finish in 2022, the composition of the squad and Pochettino's tactical approach will be closely scrutinized by fans and pundits alike.

The details

Pochettino's 26-player roster includes veteran goalkeeper Matt Freese as the starter, backed up by Matt Turner and Patrick Schulte. The backline features a solid trio of Chris Richards, Tim Ream, and Alex Freeman, with Sergiño Dest and Antonee "Jedi" Robinson providing width and attacking thrust as the wingbacks. In midfield, Tyler Adams and Tanner Tessmann will shield the defense, while Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie lead the attack, supported by Brenden Aaronson, Diego Luna, and Malik Tillman. Up front, Folarin Balogun is the starting striker, with Ricardo Pepi and Patrick Agyemang providing backup options.

  • The USMNT will face Belgium and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal in final tuneup matches in Atlanta in late March 2026.
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 12, 2026, with the U.S. taking on Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

The players

Mauricio Pochettino

The head coach of the U.S. men's national team, known for his pragmatic and adaptable tactical approach.

Matt Freese

The starting goalkeeper for the USMNT, currently playing for New York City FC in MLS.

Chris Richards

A young center-back who has been a regular starter for Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Tim Ream

The veteran captain of the USMNT, who will provide experience and leadership in the backline.

Sergiño Dest

The dynamic wingback who has been a key contributor for the USMNT and currently plays for Villarreal in La Liga.

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What they’re saying

“People sometimes say, 'That's my philosophy, my idea, and I'm going to die with my idea.' No. I want to live. I want to be clever, and I want to win. I don't want to die.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, U.S. men's national team head coach

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Pochettino's pragmatic approach and willingness to adapt his tactics to maximize the talent on the USMNT roster could be the key to the team's success at the 2026 World Cup, as they look to build on their recent progress and make a deep run on home soil.