USA FIFA World Cup: Predicting USMNT’s 26 for 2026 After October Games
Author : Football World Cup Tickets | Published On : 17 Oct 2025
USA FIFA World Cup: Following the October international window, the picture of the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is starting to become a little clearer, even if Mauricio Pochettino, the newly appointed head coach, would strongly push back against that idea.
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Since day one, Pochettino has made it clear that no player has a guaranteed place in the World Cup squad, not even longtime star Christian Pulisic. No one is sure that they’re going to be on the roster in the World Cup 2026, Pochettino emphasized again last week. The message from the coach has been consistent: the door is open for anyone, and every player has to earn their spot through performance.
Fitness and consistency. Still, even with the official stance of no guarantees, patterns are beginning to emerge from Pochettino’s selections and tactical decisions, especially after the October friendlies, a 1-1 draw with Ecuador and a 2-1 win over Australia. The goalkeeper position, once a steady and deeply rooted strength of the U.S. team, is now one of the most unpredictable.
USA Goalkeeper Situation Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
While Matt Turner remains the only goalkeeper in the current pool with World Cup experience, and Oliver Semmle has gained traction at Birmingham City, it is NYCFC’s Matt Freese who seems to be rising quickly. Freese earned his first caps this summer and has looked increasingly composed and confident. Some even believe he could be the starter by the time the tournament kicks off.
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His ability as a penalty stopper and calm distributor has caught the eye of the coaching staff. Turner still offers value with his experience and shot-stopping, and both are likely to make the final 26-man squad if not as a starter, then certainly as valuable depth. Behind them, the battle for the third goalkeeper spot remains wide open.
In a surprise twist, Pochettino name-dropped 19-year-old FC Barcelona B keeper Diego Kochen, suggesting that no goalkeeper should feel like they’re out of the running. In defense, center backs Tim Ream and Chris Richards continue to be the foundation of the back line under Pochettino. Ream’s experience and calm presence have long made him a trusted figure.
USA FIFA World Cup: Goalkeeper Competition Heating Up for World Cup 2026
While Richards’ athleticism and ball-playing ability make him a likely starter. But behind them, the situation is still evolving. With Pochettino now experimenting with formations that include three center backs, there’s a real chance the U.S. could take five central defenders to the tournament.
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Miles Robinson has been pushing forward in that race and was rewarded with starts during the October window. His mobility and versatility make him a valuable piece, especially in a back three. Walker Zimmerman also remains in the conversation, particularly for his leadership and ability to close out games. He showed in the 2022 World Cup and this summer’s Gold Cup that he can come in late.
And dominating aerial duels is a trait Pochettino may value when protecting a lead. Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty are not out of contention either, but the current momentum appears to be with Ream, Richards, Robinson, and Zimmerman. At fullback, Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson are expected to be locks, barring injury.
U.S. Defensive and Midfield Core Building Strength for Soccer World Cup
Dest, now a regular at PSV, offers attacking creativity from right back, while Robinson remains one of the fastest and most reliable players in the squad. Joe Scally has continued to develop well at Borussia Mönchengladbach and is a dependable backup on either flank. Beyond those three, the depth chart could shift based on form and injuries.
DeJuan Jones and Bryan Reynolds remain on the fringe, and both will be evaluated in the November friendlies. There’s also a tactical wrinkle here: if Pochettino leans more into a system with wingbacks, players like Dest and Robinson will be crucial, and depth will need to be chosen carefully to match those roles. The midfield core of Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie is still very much intact.
When healthy, they remain two of the most important players in the entire squad. Adams is the heartbeat of the team, the leader, the destroyer, the pivot, and McKennie brings energy, aggression, and an uncanny ability to pop up with timely goals. Yunus Musah has also solidified his role in the midfield trio, especially when the U.S. lines up in a 4-3-3.
Key Player Roles and Tactical Depth for the U.S. Squad Ahead of FIFA 2026
Behind them, the competition is tight. Tanner Tessmann has enjoyed a strong run of form at Lyon and rebounded from a shaky March window with solid performances in October. Pochettino seems to value his ability to cover ground and pass progressively. Cristian Roldan, a veteran who was a surprise late addition in September, has earned nothing but praise from the coaching staff since rejoining the fold.
His versatility and leadership could give him an edge for one of the final midfield spots. Other names like Gianluca Busio, Johnny Cardoso, and Malik Tillman remain in the mix, especially depending on the balance Pochettino wants between creativity, control, and athleticism. In the attack, Pulisic remains the centerpiece, even if Pochettino says no one is guaranteed.
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His move to AC Milan has reinvigorated him, and he continues to produce goals and assists for the national team. Tim Weah and Brenden Aaronson also remain key pieces, especially for their pressing ability and work rate on the wings. Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun lead the line-up front, and both are expected to make the final roster if healthy.
U.S. Forward Line and Gio Reyna’s Role Take Shape Ahead of FIFA World Cup
Balogun, in particular, is the most complete striker in the U.S. pool and has already shown flashes of his potential. Pepi continues to be a reliable super-sub who can change the pace of games. Josh Sargent, Jordan Pefok, and Jesús Ferreira are still contenders, but the forward spots are limited, and the pecking order is starting to settle.
Gio Reyna is the wild card, a supremely talented playmaker whose fitness and relationship with the staff have been under the microscope. If healthy and in form, he will almost certainly be on the plane, potentially even starting. The question is where he fits best: in midfield, as a false nine, or on the wing.
With about seven months to go until the final roster for the 2026 World Cup is picked, things are beginning to take shape. The November friendlies against Paraguay and Uruguay will provide further clarity. Injuries, club form, and tactical shifts will all influence the final decisions. While Pochettino remains adamant that no player is a lock.
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Q1: Who are the top goalkeepers competing for spots in the FIFA World Cup?
Matt Turner, Matt Freese, and Oliver Semmle are the main contenders, with Diego Kochen also in the mix as a surprise candidate.
Q2: Which defenders are likely to make the U.S. squad for World Cup?
Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Miles Robinson, and Walker Zimmerman are leading candidates, with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty also in consideration.
Q3: How important are Sergiño Dest and Antonee Robinson for the U.S. at FIFA 2026?
Both are expected to be key fullbacks, offering creativity and speed, especially if the team uses wingbacks.
Q4: Who forms the midfield core for the U.S. heading into FIFA World Cup 2026?
Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Yunus Musah are the primary midfielders, with Tanner Tessmann and Cristian Roldan also in contention.
Q5: What is the status of the U.S. forward line for the Football World Cup 2026?
Ricardo Pepi, Folarin Balogun, Tim Weah, Brenden Aaronson, and Christian Pulisic are key attackers, with Gio Reyna as a potential wild card.
