The U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team stands poised to compete in the 2026 World Cup, opening their campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles. For the 26 players, participating in this global event is a testament to their dedication to soccer, filled with personal victories and setbacks.
Forwards
Christian Pulisic ⭐⭐⭐
Age: 27
Hometown: Hershey, Pa.
Club team: AC Milan (Serie A)
Christian Pulisic has long been under the American soccer spotlight and has risen to expectations. With 33 goals in 86 appearances for the U.S. team, Pulisic has proven to be a crucial asset. He recently ended a scoring drought by netting a goal against Senegal.
Folarin Balogun ⭐⭐
Age: 24
Hometown: London, England
Club team: AS Monaco (Ligue 1)
Eligible for the U.S., Nigerian, and English national teams, Balogun committed to the U.S. in 2023. Since then, he’s been seen as a key striker, having scored multiple goals early in his national team career. His 19 goals for Monaco this season highlight his form.
Ricardo Pepi ⭐⭐
Age: 23
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Club team: PSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie)
After being left out of the 2022 World Cup squad, Pepi has returned stronger. With 19 goals for PSV, he continues to show promise, especially alongside Pulisic.
Timothy Weah ⭐
Age: 26
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Club team: Olympique de Marseille (Ligue 1)
Son of former footballer George Weah, Timothy has experienced varying fortunes with the U.S. team. While often not a starter, Weah is expected to contribute as a substitute in the World Cup.
Alejandro Zendejas ⭐
Age: 28
Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Club team: Club América (Liga MX)
Zendejas, a dual-national, chose the U.S. in 2023. He regularly played for the youth national teams. Versatile in attack, he’s expected to provide depth for the squad.
Haji Wright
Age: 28
Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif.
Club team: Coventry City (Premier League)
Wright’s contributions in 2022 helped Coventry achieve promotion. He adds depth up front, although playing time might be limited.
Brenden Aaronson
Age: 25
Hometown: Medford, N.J.
Club team: Leeds United (Premier League)
Known as the “Medford Messi,” Aaronson has had a mixed season but remains a potential game-changer off the bench.
Midfielders
Tyler Adams ⭐⭐⭐
Age: 27
Hometown: Wappingers Falls, N.Y.
Club team: AFC Bournemouth (Premier League)
Adams embodies perseverance, emerging as a leader and captain by 2022. He’s pivotal in setting the tone for the team.
Weston McKennie ⭐⭐⭐
Age: 27
Hometown: Little Elm, Texas
Club team: Juventus (Serie A)
McKennie’s versatility and passion have cemented his role as a starter. He offers dynamic play and leadership.
Malik Tillman ⭐⭐
Age: 24
Hometown: Furth, Germany
Club team: Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga)
Known for his attacking skills, Tillman shines once embedded in a team. His creative abilities add unpredictability to his play.
Sebastian Berhalter ⭐⭐
Age: 25
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Club team: Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS)
Despite familial ties to U.S. Soccer, Berhalter earned his spot through merit. His set-piece abilities are vital.
Gio Reyna ⭐⭐
Age: 23
Hometown: Bedford, N.Y.
Club team: Borussia Mönchengladbach (Bundesliga)
Despite talent, Reyna’s consistency has fluctuated. Known for past controversies, he aims to reestablish his form.
Cristian Roldan
Age: 31
Hometown: Pico Rivera, Calif.
Club team: Seattle Sounders (MLS)
Roldan brings experience and reliability to the team, contributing mainly through his leadership.
Defenders
Chris Richards ⭐⭐⭐
Age: 26
Hometown: Birmingham, Ala.
Club team: Crystal Palace (Premier League)
Richards is pivotal in defense, despite injury challenges. His athletic build and skill enhance the U.S. backline.
Antonee “Jedi” Robinson ⭐⭐⭐
Age: 28
Hometown: Liverpool, England
Club team: Fulham FC (Premier League)
Although he faced injuries, Robinson returned robustly. His recent spectacular goal underscores his contributions.
Tim Ream ⭐⭐
Age: 38
Hometown: St. Louis, Mo.
Club team: Charlotte FC (MLS)
Ream’s leadership and experience guide the team. At 38, he remains crucial, leveraging his extensive experience.
Sergiño Dest ⭐⭐
Age: 25
Hometown: Almere, Netherlands
Club team: PSV Eindhoven (Eredivisie)
Dest’s dual-national background led him to the U.S. His skills provide offensive and defensive flexibility.
Alex Freeman ⭐⭐
Age: 21
Hometown: Plantation, Fla.
Club team: Villarreal CF (La Liga)
Freeman quickly rose to prominence, demonstrating abilities both in defense and attack. His potential enriches the team.
Mark McKenzie ⭐
Age: 27
Hometown: New York, N.Y.
Club team: Toulouse FC (Ligue 1)
McKenzie’s recent growth under new management has proven effective. His role will likely be supportive, especially following injuries in the squad.
Miles Robinson ⭐
Age: 29
Hometown: Arlington, Mass.
Club team: FC Cincinnati (MLS)
Miles offers strategic defense, rebounding from prior injury setbacks to potentially impact the team off the bench.
Auston Trusty
Age: 27
Hometown: Media, Penn.
Club team: Celtic FC (Scottish Premiership)
Trusty advanced by betting on his own potential. His competitive drive should serve well, though his role may be limited.
Joe Scally
Age: 23
Hometown: Lake Grove, N.Y.
Club team: Borussia Mönchengladbach (Bundesliga)
Scally contributes attacking options and has consistently performed in league play. His World Cup involvement remains to be seen.
Max Arfsten
Age: 25
Hometown: Fresno, Calif.
Club team: Columbus Crew (MLS)
Arfsten enhances the U.S. team with his dual-foot capabilities. His journey from walk-on to World Cup player underscores relentless effort.
Goalkeepers
Matt Freese ⭐⭐
Age: 27
Hometown: Wayne, Pa.
Club team: New York City FC (MLS)
Freese emerged as a leading U.S. goalkeeper, overtaking competition through consistent performances.
Matt Turner ⭐
Age: 31
Hometown: Park Ridge, N.J.
Club team: New England Revolution (MLS)
Turner’s late start in goal turned into a successful career. Despite challenges, he remains a key figure.
Chris Brady
Age: 22
Hometown: Naperville, Ill.
Club team: Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
Although third in line, Brady has excelled in MLS. His role pushes teammates while readying for future opportunities.