USA World Cup 2026 squad: Full list, predicted lineup, depth chart, latest news

For the second time in their history, the USA will host a World Cup, but with far greater expectations than in 1994.

That tournament was seen as a launching point for the men’s national team program, who go into the 2026 finals with arguably the greatest generation of talent on the men’s side and dreams of making a deep run in the competition this time around.

Getting out of a group that features Australia, Turkey and Paraguay is more than attainable for a squad that boast plenty of talented players who apply their trade in Europe and they will fancy their chances of topping that group.

Achieving Mauricio Pochettino’s lofty goal of the semi-finals, though, feels like a stretch, having lost their two March friendlies to highly ranked sides Belgium and Portugal in convincing fashion.

Here, Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at the USA’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.

USA'S WORLD CUP 2026 FULL SQUAD LIST

USA'S WORLD CUP 2026 PREDICTED XI

© Imago / ZUMA Press Wire

This is far from set in stone, given some of the injuries on this squad, though there are some assured of a place on the roster for the finals unless something happens to them between now and the start of the World Cup.

Christian Pulisic remains the heartbeat of this team, who will be counted upon to score timely goals and create, while Folarin Balogun is among the few pure number nine attackers they have, who is likely to earn a place up top in the starting 11.

Between the sticks, it feels like a battle between the two Matts, with Matt Freese seemingly above Matt Turner on the depth chart, having guided the national team to the final of the previous Gold Cup, though Turner was the first choice at the 2022 World Cup.

On the right, whether as a fullback or wingback, we should see either Alex Freeman or Timothy Weah start, with the latter likely favoured, though both are versatile and can operate in other positions.

USA predicted World Cup XI: Freese; Weah, Richards, McKenzie, A. Robinson; Adams, Berhalter; Tillman, McKennie, Pulisic; Balogun

USA'S WORLD CUP 2026 SQUAD LATEST NEWS

© Imago

Given some of the team’s injury concerns, we saw some US players on the final World Cup squad that would not have made it otherwise.

Pochettino would have been keeping a close watch on Johnny Cardoso and Tanner Tessmann, both of whom log their share of minutes at Atletico Madrid and Lyon, but neither made the cut.

Chris Richards suffered torn ligaments in his ankle at Crystal Palace, but he has made a rapid recovery and is in the squad.

Derby County’s Patrick Agyemang is out after injuring his Achilles, as is Jonathan Klinsmann following a brutal neck injury.

Sergino Dest’s return from a long-term injury might make the coach uneasy about putting him in the starting 11, though he is a valuable depth piece to have if he can prove that he is healthy for good.

Balogun is in fine form at Monaco, netting regularly in Ligue 1, while Pepi, who narrowly missed out on the 2022 squad, has won Pochettino's trust thanks to his solid form at PSV.

Among the hardest decisions Pochettino had to make was whether or not to select Giovanni Reyna, who has the speed and creativity to help this team, but it is unclear if his attitude is good for them. However, he has been given a chance to impress.

Tim Ream captained the squad in March, though Antonee Robinson’s experience at a higher level may see the former on the bench or off the team.

Pulisic is two goals away from equalling Eric Wynalda for fourth all-time with the national team, while Haji Wright’s promotional campaign at Coventry should give him a place on the American bench for this tournament at worst.