The U.S. reveals its World Cup roster : NPR
NPR • • sports
Key Points:
- The U.S. men's national soccer team announced its 26-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring stars like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie.
- Alejandro Zendejas, a forward for Mexico's Club América, was a surprising inclusion despite limited playtime under coach Mauricio Pochettino and absence from the national team since last September.
- Notable omissions include Lyon's Tanner Tessmann and Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna, both of whom had injury concerns but were expected to be available.
- Half of the squad played in the 2022 World Cup, including key scorers Pulisic, Tim Weah, and Haji Wright, while 13 players, such as Ricardo Pepi and defenders Chris Richards and Miles Robinson, will make their World Cup debut.
- The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across 16 cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, marking the first time the U.S. hosts since 1994, a tournament that significantly boosted soccer's popularity in America.