The USMNT’s World Cup squad reportedly is set, including four players with local ties
As it stands, four players with local ties got the nod: goalkeeper Matt Freese, centerbacks Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty, and attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson.
Though the U.S. men’s soccer team’s World Cup roster won’t be officially announced until Tuesday, there’s a time-honored tradition in the sport of news getting out early.
That duly happened on Saturday, a day after U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino told the 26 players on the squad that they were in. The Guardian and The Athletic revealed the whole roster.
As it stands, four players with local ties got the nod: goalkeeper Matt Freese, centerbacks Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty, and attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson.
All four grew up in the Philadelphia region, played youth soccer in the Union’s academy, and started their pro careers at Subaru Park before moving on. Aaronson, Freese, and McKenzie helped the club win its first trophy, the 2020 Supporters’ Shield.
A U.S. Soccer spokesperson declined comment to The Inquirer, but separate sources confirmed some details.
The most surprising omissions from the reported roster are in midfield. Tanner Tessmann and Aidan Morris didn’t make the cut, leaving the squad short of defensive steel next to Tyler Adams.
» READ MORE: Inside Lincoln Financial Field’s transformation into ‘Philadelphia Stadium’ for the World Cup
The most surprising inclusion is playmaker Alejandro Zendejas, who hasn’t made a U.S. squad since September. He seemingly was chosen over Diego Luna, a fan favorite who earned Pochettino’s respect but always was a challenger to higher-pedigree players.
That challenge seemed especially aimed at Gio Reyna. He answered the call, including a goal at Subaru Park in November. Though he hasn’t played much for his club, Germany’s Borussia Mönchengladbach, Pochettino has praised Reyna’s talent enough to send a signal.
There are two caveats before the roster becomes official. First, the players selected who have games this weekend have to get through them, whether in Europe or MLS. The big leagues in England, Italy, and Spain conclude their seasons this weekend.
Second, the roster isn’t officially due to FIFA until June 1. The Americans will play the first of their two pre-World Cup warmup games before then, on May 31 against Senegal in Charlotte, N.C. The second is against Germany on June 6 in Chicago, and it is already sold out.
» READ MORE: This former high school soccer player could be a World Cup breakout star in Philadelphia
Tuesday’s announcement will be nationally televised on Fox starting at 3 p.m. Philadelphia time. All of the players should be in attendance except centerback Chris Richards, whose club, England’s Crystal Palace, plays in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday.
Richards won’t play, as he’s rehabbing torn ankle ligaments that are expected to heal before the World Cup. But he’s a big player for the club, so it’s understandable that he wants to be at the game.
After Tuesday’s show, the U.S. squad will head to the new national training center in suburban Atlanta for training camp. It will go to and from Charlotte, then from Chicago to the World Cup base camp in Irvine, Calif.
If any injuries happen between June 1 and the team’s tournament opener on June 12, FIFA allows for replacements in “exceptional cases” approved by the governing body’s medical committee.
» READ MORE: Why U.S. Soccer’s new national training center will matter long after the World Cup
Reported USMNT 2026 World Cup roster
Goalkeepers (3): Matt Freese (New York City FC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution), Chris Brady (Chicago Fire)
Defenders (11): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Alex Freeman (Villarreal, Spain), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse, France), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace, England), Antonee Robinson (Fulham, England), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Möchengladbach, Germany), Auston Trusty (Celtic, Scotland), Tim Weah (Marseille, France)
Midfielders: (9): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United, England), Tyler Adams (Bournemouth, England), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus, Italy), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan, Italy), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Alejandro Zendejas (Club América, Mexico)
Strikers (3): Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco, France), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Haji Wright (Coventry City, England)
Nine nations will compete in five group stage matches this summer, plus two more in a knockout game on July 4. Here’s what you need to know about those countries — and what those fans need to know about Philly. Click here for more.
