With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than a year away, the United States men's national team (USMNT) is beginning to take shape under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino. The recent Gold Cup provided a glimpse into the depth of the squad, with several players seizing their opportunities to impress. Here's an early look at the projected roster for the 2026 World Cup, focusing on key positions and players who could make the final cut.

Goalkeepers

• Matt Turner: Returning to MLS from Europe, Turner aims to reclaim his starting spot with consistent playing time.
• Matt Freese: Solid performances at the Gold Cup have boosted his stock, making the competition for the starting position wide open.
• Zack Steffen: Despite injury setbacks, Steffen has shown promise when healthy, ranking third in the league with 5.99 goals prevented in just 14 matches.

Defenders

• Chris Richards: Emerging as a standout player at the Gold Cup, Richards is now a lock for the World Cup roster.
• Tim Ream: The veteran's leadership and experience were crucial in leading the USMNT to the Gold Cup final, but his age raises questions about his role in 2026.
• Sergiño Dest: The right back's return to form with PSV Eindhoven is a welcome sight for the USMNT, given his ability to create opportunities.

Midfielders

• Tyler Adams: Despite a foot injury, Adams remains a key player for the USMNT and is expected to be on the roster if healthy.
• Weston McKennie: The Juventus midfielder needs to regain his top form to secure his place in the starting XI.
• Johnny Cardoso: An enigma at the international level, Cardoso has shown promise at club level and could be a valuable asset.

Forwards

• Christian Pulisic: The AC Milan forward remains a cornerstone of the USMNT, despite past tensions with Pochettino.
• Folarin Balogun: Despite an injury-riddled campaign, Balogun is still the front-runner for the starting striker position.
• Ricardo Pepi: With more playing time expected at PSV, Pepi could become a mainstay in the USMNT attack.

Emerging Talents

• Caleb Wiley: The young full back showed defensive improvement last season and could make a case for the roster.
• Diego Luna: Known for his creativity and toughness, Luna has become a favorite of Pochettino and could play a significant role.

As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, competition for spots on the USMNT roster will intensify. Pochettino will have to balance experience with emerging talent to build a squad capable of competing on the world stage.