Meet the U.S. Men’s National Team for the 2026 World Cup

The U.S. Men’s National Team is set to play its initial game in the 2026 World Cup with a match against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday. For the 26 selected players, participating in this prestigious tournament represents the culmination of a journey filled with both triumphs and challenges in soccer. Here’s a look at the players:

Forwards

Christian Pulisic ⭐⭐⭐
Age: 27
Hometown: Hershey, Pa.
Club: AC Milan (Serie A)

Pulisic has been in the spotlight of American soccer and has lived up to expectations. As a key starter for AC Milan, he is the top goalscorer for the national team with 33 goals in 86 appearances. His recent breakthrough goal against Senegal has lifted a previous scoring drought.

Folarin Balogun ⭐⭐
Age: 24
Hometown: London, England
Club: AS Monaco (Ligue 1)

With eligibility for three national teams, Balogun chose the U.S. in 2023. Known for his goal-scoring talents, he scored in each of his first three games for the U.S. and achieved 19 goals with Monaco this season.

Ricardo Pepi ⭐⭐
Age: 23
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Club: PSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie)

Pepi, a dual-national, was left off the 2022 roster but has had a standout season with PSV, scoring 19 goals. His chemistry with Pulisic against Senegal was evident, and he’s ready to make his World Cup mark.

Timothy Weah ⭐
Age: 26
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Club: Olympique de Marseille (Ligue 1)

Weah, son of Ballon d’Or winner George Weah, has faced highs and lows with the national team. Though not a likely starter, he’s expected to contribute off the bench.

Alejandro Zendejas ⭐
Age: 28
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Club: Club América (Liga MX)

Zendejas, another dual-national, committed to the U.S. in 2023. He’s a skilled attacker but may not start in the matches.

Haji Wright
Age: 28
Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
Club: Coventry City (Premier League)

Wright played a crucial role in Coventry City’s promotion and scored in the 2022 World Cup against the Netherlands. Yet, with strong competition in his position, playtime might be limited.

Brenden Aaronson
Age: 25
Hometown: Medford, N.J.
Club: Leeds United (Premier League)

Dubbed the ‘Medford Messi,’ Aaronson is cherished for his spark off the bench. Following a strong performance at Leeds, he looks to bring energy on and off the field.

Midfielders

Tyler Adams ⭐⭐⭐
Age: 27
Hometown: Wappingers Falls, N.Y.
Club: AFC Bournemouth (Premier League)

Adams is a central figure for this U.S. team, known for his leadership and toughness. As a team captain previously, he drives the team’s spirit and energy.

Weston McKennie ⭐⭐⭐
Age: 27
Hometown: Little Elm, Texas
Club: Juventus (Serie A)

McKennie brings enthusiasm and versatility. Known for his dynamic play, he is expected to be a starting fixture in the team, adapting to various positions as needed.

Malik Tillman ⭐⭐
Age: 24
Hometown: Furth, Germany
Club: Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)

Tillman’s quiet demeanor is contrasted by his strong impact on the field. As a creative midfielder, he’s renowned for his special playmaking ability.

Sebastian Berhalter ⭐⭐
Age: 25
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Club: Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)

Despite a famous last name, Berhalter earned his spot through hard work. Known for his precision in set-pieces, he’ll be crucial during corner opportunities.

Gio Reyna ⭐⭐
Age: 23
Hometown: Bedford, N.Y.
Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach (Bundesliga)

At just 23, Reyna has had ups and downs due to injuries and off-field drama. He remains a crucial creative force, promising unpredictability this summer.

Cristian Roldan
Age: 31
Hometown: Pico Rivera, Calif.
Club: Seattle Sounders (MLS)

Roldan’s heritage and background add to his role as a supportive presence. While he may not feature on the field often, his locker-room influence remains significant.

Defenders

Chris Richards ⭐⭐⭐
Age: 26
Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.
Club: Crystal Palace (Premier League)

As a prominent defender, Richards is coming back from an ankle injury, bringing much-needed strength to the U.S. defense. His athletic ability is a key asset.

Antonee “Jedi” Robinson ⭐⭐⭐
Age: 28
Hometown: Liverpool, England
Club: Fulham FC (Premier League)

Robinson has proven indispensable on the left flank. Despite injury setbacks, his return is crucial. His long-awaited goal against Germany signals readiness.

Tim Ream ⭐⭐
Age: 38
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
Club: Charlotte FC (MLS)

Ream, the team’s elder statesman, provides experience and leadership. With consistent positioning, he’s expected to start in key matches.

Sergiño Dest ⭐⭐
Age: 25
Hometown: Almere, Netherlands
Club: PSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie)

Dest’s diverse background shapes his resilient career. He’s a reliable and energetic starter, destined to feature on the U.S. defensive right-hand side.

Alex Freeman ⭐⭐
Age: 21
Hometown: Plantation, Fla.
Club: Villarreal CF (La Liga)

Emerging as a versatile asset, Freeman’s skill as a wingback promises excitement. With solid play at Villarreal, he’s likely to be part of the starting lineup.

Mark McKenzie ⭐
Age: 27
Hometown: New York, N.Y.
Club: Toulouse FC (Ligue 1)

Finally finding his rhythm, McKenzie is seen as a potential substitute. With Richards’ recovery ongoing, McKenzie could see more game time.

Miles Robinson ⭐
Age: 29
Hometown: Arlington, Mass.
Club: FC Cincinnati (MLS)

Robinson, missing the last World Cup due to injury, looks to make an impact this year. His previous achievements promise a significant role.

Auston Trusty
Age: 27
Hometown: Media, Penn.
Club: Celtic FC (Scottish Premiership)

Betting on himself, Trusty’s journey is fueled by confidence. He’s shown promise and could contribute, though his exact role remains uncertain.

Joe Scally
Age: 23
Hometown: Lake Grove, N.Y.
Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach (Bundesliga)

Scally, an attack-minded fullback, aims to contribute from the back. Despite not featuring in the previous World Cup, he remains a strong option.

Max Arfsten
Age: 25
Hometown: Fresno, Calif.
Club: Columbus Crew (MLS)

Arfsten, known for versatility, has quickly integrated into the national team. He is expected to have opportunities to show his abilities during the tournament.

Goaltenders

Matt Freese ⭐⭐
Age: 27
Hometown: Wayne, Pa.
Club: New York City FC (MLS)

Freese appears to have the edge for starting in goal, thanks to his recent performances for the national team. However, competition remains with Turner.

Matt Turner ⭐
Age: 31
Hometown: Park Ridge, N.J.
Club: New England Revolution (MLS)

Turner’s journey from a latecomer to a national team staple demonstrates resilience. His previous World Cup experience makes him a reliable choice.

Chris Brady
Age: 22
Hometown: Naperville, Ill.
Club: Chicago Fire FC (MLS)

Although Brady is currently behind Freese and Turner, his growth in the MLS suggests future potential for becoming the main goalkeeper.