The U.S. Men’s National Team is set for its debut game in the 2026 World Cup, facing Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday. The 26 players, representing a diverse array of journeys, have endured highs and lows to reach soccer’s grandest stage. Here is an overview of the team members to keep an eye on.
Forwards
- Christian Pulisic ★★★
Aged 27, from Hershey, Pennsylvania, Pulisic plays for AC Milan. He leads in goals for the USMNT with 33 goals in 86 appearances and has emerged from a scoring drought earlier this year. - Folarin Balogun ★★
This 24-year-old striker from London, playing for AS Monaco, committed to the U.S. team in 2023. Balogun scored in his first three games for the national team and continues to deliver strong performances. - Ricardo Pepi ★★
A 23-year-old from El Paso, Texas, Pepi, who plays for PSV Eindhoven, missed the previous World Cup but had a standout season, scoring 19 goals in 34 appearances. - Timothy Weah ★
Brooklyn-native Weah, 26, plays for Olympique de Marseille. His family legacy includes his father, George Weah, a soccer icon. Timothy has had both successful and challenging moments on the USMNT. - Alejandro Zendejas ★
A 28-year-old from El Paso, Zendejas plays for Club América. His versatility makes him a potential surprise element for the team off the bench. - Haji Wright
At 28, playing for Coventry City, Wright contributed one of the few goals at the 2022 World Cup. His flexibility makes him a strategic asset, though competition for his position is fierce. - Brenden Aaronson
This 25-year-old Leeds United player from Medford, New Jersey, is expected to bring energy from the bench after a stellar performance last season.
Midfielders
- Tyler Adams ★★★
Aged 27, from Wappingers Falls, New York, Adams thrives on determination and leadership. Named captain during the 2022 World Cup, his tenacity sets the tone for the team. - Weston McKennie ★★★
Hailing from Little Elm, Texas, the 27-year-old Juventus player is vital to the squad, known for his versatility on the field and leadership off it. - Malik Tillman ★★
This 24-year-old from Fürth, Germany, now playing for Bayer Leverkusen, adds depth with his evolving skill set, earning praise for his unique abilities. - Sebastian Berhalter ★★
Berhalter, 25, from Columbus, Ohio, adds strategic advantage with his adept set-piece execution. Son of a former USMNT coach, his national team debut came under current coach Mauricio Pochettino. - Gio Reyna ★★
A 23-year-old currently with Borussia Mönchengladbach, Reyna’s career mixes flair and inconsistency, with past off-field drama adding complexity to his image. - Cristian Roldan
At 31, Roldan from Pico Rivera, California, is a veteran influence, leveraging his multicultural background and family ties to soccer for a supportive role.
Defenders
- Chris Richards ★★★
The 26-year-old Birmingham, Alabama native stands out as the USMNT’s top defender. Injuries have sidelined him recently, but he’s eager to return. - Antonee “Jedi” Robinson ★★★
Robinson, 28, born in Liverpool, England, is a key player with a unique backstory. Overcoming a long injury, he adds significant strength to the defense. - Tim Ream ★★
Ream, 38, the oldest squad member from St. Louis, Missouri, commands the defense with his leadership, despite slowing down with age. - Sergiño Dest ★★
Among the starters, the 25-year-old Dest from Almere, Netherlands provides reliability along the defense, with a strong record from previous Cup matches. - Alex Freeman ★★
This versatile 21-year-old from Plantation, Florida makes an impression with his agile play for Villarreal CF, poised for significant contribution. - Mark McKenzie ★
A 27-year-old from New York City, McKenzie competes for a central defense role, potentially backing up key players after stepping up under recent guidance. - Miles Robinson ★
At 29, from Arlington, Massachusetts, Robinson rebounds from a previous injury with renewed enthusiasm to make impactful performances. - Auston Trusty
Trusty, 27, from Media, Pennsylvania, navigates his career path with self-assurance. His status in the team remains flexible, offering potential for growth. - Joe Scally
Despite his youth, 23-year-old Scally from Lake Grove, New York, has consistently been part of the team, adding depth with his offensive-minded play. - Max Arfsten
A 25-year-old wingback from Fresno, California, Arfsten demonstrates tenacity and dual-footed skill, making his journey from walk-on college player to national contender notable.
Goaltenders
- Matt Freese ★★
Freese, 27, from Wayne, Pennsylvania, stands as a prime candidate for starting goaltender, building on impressive past performances in the Gold Cup. - Matt Turner ★
The 31-year-old Turner’s late start in goaltending illustrates a rise from relative obscurity to a well-earned place in the national squad. - Chris Brady
Though still third-choice, 22-year-old Brady from Naperville, Illinois, has shown excellent form at the club level, signaling potential future advancements.