Mauricio Pochettino's full 26-man World Cup roster for the United States men's national team has leaked ahead of its official announcement, obtained by The Guardian and confirmed by multiple sources.
The squad signals a strategic shift, rewarding recent form while leaving out several established players.
Surprise Inclusions
Club América winger Alejandro Zendejas earned a spot after a standout season in Liga MX, with 12 goals and seven assists.
Despite limited international minutes—just 139 across six caps—the 28-year-old will make his World Cup debut.
Gio Reyna also secured his place despite only 520 club minutes this season.
Pochettino has publicly backed the 23-year-old, who aims to move past his 2022 World Cup behavioral issues and the subsequent fallout involving former coach Gregg Berhalter.
In a twist, Sebastian Berhalter—son of the former USMNT manager—made the cut.
The 25-year-old Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder never played for US youth teams but earned his spot through an MLS Best XI season, leading his club to their first MLS Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup final.
He offers a dangerous set-piece option.
Notable Omissions
Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna is the most shocking exclusion.
The 22-year-old was a key figure in Pochettino's buildup, scoring four goals in 17 appearances in 2025, and featured in promotional campaigns.
A federation spokesperson clarified Pochettino had no role in those ads. Luna's recent injury issues may have contributed.
Lyon's Tanner Tessmann and Middlesbrough's Aidan Morris were also left out. Tessmann started 22 league matches in France but suffered a muscle strain two weeks ago.
Morris played in March friendlies but missed the cut. Midfielder Johnny Cardoso was already ruled out with an ankle injury.
Tactical Adjustments
With only four central or defensive midfielders—Weston McKennie, Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan, and Tyler Adams—Pochettino may deploy McKennie deeper.
The squad includes 10 defenders, with Crystal Palace's Chris Richards making the cut despite torn ankle ligaments. Noahkai Banks declined a call-up to explore Germany interest.
In goal, uncapped Chicago Fire standout Chris Brady joins Matt Freese and Matt Turner. Half the roster are first-time World Cup selections.
The USMNT will play friendlies against Senegal and Germany before the final squad deadline on June 1.
