Mauricio Pochettino's controversial USMNT World Cup roster selections confirmed

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U.S. Men's National Team boss Mauricio Pochettino named his FIFA World Cup roster on Tuesday -Credit:TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP via Getty Images


The U.S. Men's National Team revealed its 26-man squad for this summer's FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, with head coach Mauricio Pochettino making some controversial choices ahead of a pivotal tournament.

U.S. Soccer held a special announcement event at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City on Tuesday, although the reveal was somewhat spoiled by an early roster leak. Nevertheless, Pochettino formalized matters on Tuesday, confirming that Gio Reyna had contentiously been selected over Diego Luna.

It had been alleged that Pochettino notified players of their World Cup status via email, triggering criticism and lending the sport a "corporate" atmosphere, according to USMNT legend Jimmy Conrad. However, during his press conference, Pochettino clarified that it was done via a video sent out to the players.

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Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna was among those controversially left out -Credithoto by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

By comparison, other countries chose to live-stream the news to all players, while others communicated by phone, demonstrating greater consideration, as per The Mirror US.

The USMNT was placed into Group D at the FIFA World Cup, grouped with opponents Turkey, Paraguay, and Australia. Pochettino endured a significant injury setback before announcing his squad, with Atletico Madrid midfielder Johnny Cardoso requiring surgery.

Derby County striker Patrick Agyemang is also sidelined until 2027 with a torn Achilles tendon, but Chris Richards, Christian Pulisic, and Brendon Aaronsen have all bounced back from minor injuries. Here, Mirror U.S. Sports presents the official USMNT squad.

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Official USMNT 26-man World Cup roster​

Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City), Matt Turner (New England Revolution) Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergino Dest (PSV), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic)

Midfielders: Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)

Attacking midfielders/wingers: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Christian Pulisic (Milan), Gio Reyna (Borussia Monchengladbach), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Tim Weah (Marseille), Alejandro Zendejas (Club America)

Forwards: Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Haji Wright (Coventry City)

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Lyon's Tanner Tessmann also did not make the cut -Credit:Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images

Controversial omissions​

Among the most eyebrow-raising calls, Pochettino opted to leave out Diego Luna, who had featured in 17 of the USMNT's 18 matches in 2025 and was widely regarded as a trusted favorite of the head coach. Meanwhile, Gio Reyna's inclusion in the World Cup roster caught Luna's Real Salt Lake manager off guard.

"It's an interesting decision. In 2025, the national team really leaned on him (Luna) both as an attacking player and a mentality piece," said RSL coach Pablo Mastroeni. "Pochettino referenced his ability to fight.

"I just think at the World Cup, where you need difference makers, a guy who is going to come into a game where the stage is never going to be too big."

Middlesbrough midfielder Aidan Morris was also overlooked, with Seattle Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan earning a surprising call-up instead. While Roldan has featured prominently, Morris played a key role in guiding his team to the Championship Playoff Final.

Particularly following Cardoso's injury, Morris's exclusion raised eyebrows. Though there's talent in central midfield with Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, limited depth could prove problematic should injuries occur.

Tanner Tessman's absence from the midfield was another eyebrow-raising decision following an impressive campaign with Lyon. Pochettino instead chose an MLS pairing, having also selected Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, who has excelled in North America.

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