🇺🇸 USMNT World Cup 2026 Roster Predictions

AI-powered roster predictions using our Moneyball scoring engine — analyzing minutes, form, system fit, experience, and versatility. Updated March 22, 2026.26-man squad across 5 viable formations.

Projected 26-Man Roster

Matt Freese

GK · New York City FC

Freese is the biggest goalkeeper surprise of the cycle - CBS projects him as Pochettino's #1 for the World Cup despite never having earned a cap under previous coaches. His commanding presence at NYCFC and strong international showings have vaulted him past Turner, Horvath, and Schulte. Unless something drastic changes, Freese will be starting in goal when the USMNT kicks off the World Cup.

95%

Ethan Horvath

GK · Red Bull New York

Horvath made an impressive MLS debut for the Red Bulls on Feb 22, making 4 crucial saves in a 2-1 win over Orlando City with an 80% save rate. After leaving Cardiff, he's now getting the regular minutes he needs and showing strong form. CBS still doesn't have him in the projected 26, with Freese, Celentano, and Schulte ahead in the pecking order. But continued strong performances could change the conversation.

20%

Matt Turner

GK · New England Revolution

The March squad announcement confirmed what many suspected: Turner is no longer in Pochettino's goalkeeper rotation. Freese, Schulte, and Celentano all received call-ups over the 52-capped Revolution veteran. Turner conceded 6 goals in his first 3 MLS appearances this season (70% save rate) — solid enough numbers, but not competitive enough to dislodge the established hierarchy. With 52 caps and experience in major tournaments, he retains an outside chance if injuries strike at goalkeeper, but his exclusion from the final pre-World Cup friendlies is a decisive signal. Rosterability adjusted to 15% — the path to the 26 now requires multiple goalkeeper injuries and an unlikely change of heart from Pochettino.

15%

Antonee Robinson

LB · Fulham

Robinson's return is one of the most significant USMNT stories of the March window. He was called up for the first time since November 2024 — missing all of 2025 international duty after knee surgery last May — and US Soccer confirmed he has returned to full fitness. He is expected to start against Belgium and Portugal, immediately re-establishing himself as the first-choice left back. His 24 club appearances and 1 assist at Fulham this season show he has been performing consistently in the Premier League while building back toward full form. With 50 caps, 4 international goals, and 8 assists, he is the clear starting left back for the World Cup. On the transfer front, Liverpool, Manchester United, and Aston Villa are all competing for his signature in the summer — a testament to his elite-level standing. Form rating of 4/5 reflects a strong return to fitness ahead of the biggest tournament of his career.

95%

Chris Richards

CB · Crystal Palace

Richards has been a steady presence at Crystal Palace with 45 appearances (26 starts) this season, earning CBS's projection as a lock and likely starting center-back. His composure on the ball, clutch defensive blocks, and experience in the Premier League make him exactly what Pochettino wants in his back line. He's been tested week in and week out against top competition and has delivered consistently. With 44 caps, 3 international goals, and no assists, his experience in big-game situations is invaluable.

95%

Tim Ream

CB · Charlotte FC

At 38 years old, Ream is a CBS-projected lock who brings exactly what every World Cup squad needs - veteran experience and composure under pressure. He's transitioned to MLS with Charlotte FC but his leadership and ability to organize the back line remain invaluable. Pochettino values his calm presence in high-stakes moments, and Ream's tournament experience will be critical for a team playing on home soil.

95%

Mark McKenzie

CB · Toulouse

McKenzie has 29 appearances and 2 assists at Toulouse this season, earning CBS's projection as a potential surprise starter. Pochettino has personally discussed 'the art of defending' with him - that attention signals real belief. With 40 caps, 3 international goals, and 1 international assist, he is comfortable in both a back three and back four and gives tactical flexibility. Form rating of 3/5 reflects steady Ligue 1 performances against top competition.

85%

Joe Scally

RB · Borussia Mönchengladbach

Scally has been coming off the bench in recent weeks at Gladbach — a concern heading into the final stretch before the World Cup roster deadline. He holds 23 caps and brings genuine versatility across the back line, which keeps Pochettino interested. However, Alex Freeman's move to Villarreal has heightened competition for the right-back spot. Compounding matters, if Gladbach suffer relegation, both Scally and Reyna are expected to depart, adding club instability to the picture. Needs to reclaim a starting role to stay firmly in contention.

55%

John Tolkin

LB · Holstein Kiel

Left-back at Holstein Kiel in the Bundesliga. Moved from NY Red Bulls in January 2025. 10 USMNT caps. Attack-minded fullback who set Red Bulls assist records for a defender. Playing in Bundesliga strengthens his case as LB depth behind Robinson. Pochettino included him in January 2025 camp.

50%

Sergiño Dest

RB · PSV Eindhoven

The hamstring injury Dest suffered on March 7 is now known to be a 6-8 week layoff (per Steven Goff), placing his expected return between April 18 and May 2 — less than a month before Pochettino must name the World Cup squad on May 26. Before the injury he had 35 appearances, 2 goals, 5 assists, and 2819 minutes with a 7.44 FotMob rating — among the best numbers in the USMNT pool. With 92 caps, 3 international goals, and 8 assists, he is a critical piece of Pochettino's back line. Pochettino publicly said he's hopeful Dest will recover in time, but the compressed timeline — potentially only 3 weeks of return-to-fitness time before the squad is named — is a real concern. Alex Freeman is now under pressure to deputize at right back. Rosterability adjusted to 50: World Cup inclusion is still likely if he comes back healthy, but the timeline margin is dangerously thin.

50%

Tyler Adams

CDM · AFC Bournemouth

Adams remains sidelined with a quadriceps injury, now confirmed to miss Bournemouth's March 19 clash with Manchester United (per ESPN). This is his second significant injury setback this season after an MCL sprain kept him out for two months. He had started three consecutive games before picking up this quad issue. With 67 caps and 4 international goals, he remains the USMNT captain and midfield anchor when fit. His 24 appearances, 2 goals, and 1 assist this season (6.96 FotMob rating) show strong form when healthy. Pochettino remains hopeful he'll recover in time for the May 26 roster announcement, but repeated injuries in this final stretch are concerning. Status: UNCERTAIN due to ongoing quad injury.

95%

Weston McKennie

CM · Juventus

McKennie signed a contract extension with Juventus through 2030 on March 2, ending all transfer uncertainty ahead of the World Cup. His 42 appearances, 8 goals, and 5 assists this season (up from 4 goals earlier) showcase his improved attacking output from midfield. With 107 caps, 19 international goals, and 7 assists, he brings invaluable experience and versatility to Pochettino's system. The contract extension allows him to focus entirely on June.

95%

Malik Tillman

CAM · Bayer Leverkusen

Tillman returned from his ankle injury and SI reported he was expected back in Leverkusen's starting XI for the Arsenal UCL match, but Fox Sports (March 12) notes he continues to be used mostly off the bench as the ankle issue lingers. His 35 appearances, 7 goals, and 2 assists this season show consistent production when fit. With 71 caps, 11 international goals, and 11 assists, his experience and versatility (can play across the front three or in a No. 10 role) make him a near-certain World Cup pick. Form rating of 2/5 reflects the ongoing bench role and ankle uncertainty — he needs to regain his starting place at Leverkusen to put any doubts firmly to rest.

95%

Aidan Morris

CDM · Middlesbrough

Morris continues as an automatic starter at Middlesbrough, who are on course for promotion from the Championship. His 34 appearances and 3 assists this season (2602 minutes, 7.37 FotMob rating) underscore his reliability as a ball-winner. Multiple outlets project him in Pochettino's March camp roster for the Belgium and Portugal friendlies. With 15 caps and 1 international assist, he has established himself as a credible USMNT midfield option. Premier League interest from Everton, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth validates his level — a strong spring puts him firmly in World Cup contention.

70%

Gianluca Busio

CM · Venezia

Busio's Serie B campaign remains exceptional — 33 appearances, 7 goals, and 2 assists (2659 minutes) with a 7.6 FotMob rating, the highest in the USMNT pool. He started and played the full 90 minutes for Venezia just days before the March squad announcement, but was left out of Pochettino's 27-man squad for Belgium and Portugal. The March omission is a reminder that Serie B quality, however elite, faces an uphill battle against players competing in Europe's top leagues. He signed a contract extension through June 2028 in mid-March, cementing his commitment to Venezia. With 17 caps, 1 international goal, and 3 assists, his international pedigree is still modest despite his standout club form. Form rating of 5/5 remains — the omission is a call-up issue, not a form issue. The midfield competition is intense (McKennie, Adams, Cardoso, Tessmann, Morris, Arfsten all ahead), but Busio is making the conversation very difficult for Pochettino to ignore.

70%

Brenden Aaronson

CAM · Leeds United

Aaronson's form has deteriorated sharply since his January peak. He hasn't scored since a brace at St James' Park in January — a run of multiple games without a goal or assist. The situation at Leeds has soured enough that MOT Leeds News is now arguing Farke has 'no choice' but to drop him, and fan/media sentiment is increasingly split on whether he deserves a starting role. His overall season numbers remain decent — 36 appearances, 5 goals, and 4 assists — and with 72 caps, 10 international goals, and 7 assists he has genuine international pedigree. But form rating of 1/5 reflects a sharp and continuing recent decline. He remains in contention for a World Cup roster spot at 50% probability, but he needs to rediscover his January form quickly. Pochettino has deeper options in midfield if Aaronson can't turn this around before the May deadline.

50%

Tanner Tessmann

CM · Lyon

Tessmann's Lyon move looked like a revelation earlier in the season, but his form has hit a rocky patch. He came off the bench for just five minutes in Lyon's 1-1 Europa League draw at Celta Vigo (March 12), a far cry from the regular starting role he had earlier in the campaign. His 37 appearances, 2 goals, and 0 assists (2390 minutes) show he's been used, but Fox Sports notes he 'could be losing his grip on a starting spot' for the USMNT. With 40 caps and 4 international goals, his experience and physical presence still have value, and his set-piece delivery and ability to play defensive midfield or center-back give Pochettino useful versatility. But he needs to force his way back into Lyon's starting XI to truly hold his World Cup place. Form rating of 2/5 reflects the current bench role.

45%

Yunus Musah

CM · Atalanta

Musah's World Cup picture has darkened further — he was left off Pochettino's 27-man March squad entirely, the clearest signal yet that his Atalanta situation has cost him his national team place. His season numbers tell the story: 44 appearances but only 803 minutes, averaging just 18 per game, with 2 goals and 1 assist. With 77 caps, 1 international goal, and 4 assists, his experience is valued — but Pochettino clearly needs to see him playing consistently, not fighting for scraps at Atalanta. A brief goal-scoring resurgence (Serie A goal vs Sassuolo in early March, Coppa Italia equalizer) wasn't enough to secure a call-up. Form rating of 2/5 reflects the continued failure to earn meaningful club minutes. He is now firmly on the outside looking in and will need a significant shift in his Atalanta situation to force his way back.

40%

Jack McGlynn

CAM · Houston Dynamo FC

McGlynn is making a compelling case for the World Cup with his form at Houston Dynamo, and being left off the March squad despite that form is notable. He delivered two assists in a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Portland Timbers on March 15 — including the decisive setup for the stoppage-time winner — and he earned MLS.com Team of the Matchday honors in an earlier match with eight key passes, 87.5% pass completion, and three shots on target. His 7.89 FotMob rating is among the best in MLS. With 15 caps, 4 international goals, and 2 assists, he brings clever left-footed distribution and the ability to control tempo. The March omission despite outstanding form signals that Pochettino sees the squad as sufficiently deep at CM — but McGlynn's continued excellence means the door is not closed. Form rating of 5/5. If he sustains this through the spring, the pressure on Pochettino to include him will only grow.

40%

Christian Pulisic

LW · Milan

The USMNT talisman continues to deliver at Milan — 12 goals and 2 assists in 27 appearances this season with a 7.22 FotMob rating. With 126 caps, 35 international goals, and 19 assists, Pulisic is the most experienced and dangerous attacker in the pool. An automatic starter under any coach. However, World Soccer Talk (March 18) reveals his 2026 struggles are partly attributable to chronic bursitis — a recurring condition that has contributed to missed matches and a prolonged goalless drought now stretching to 10+ consecutive Serie A games without a goal or assist. AC Milan plan to resume contract extension talks after the season. Despite all this, Pochettino publicly confirmed Pulisic remains automatic for the squad. Form rating of 3/5 reflects the extended drought even as his overall season output and March call-up keep his World Cup spot absolutely secure.

95%

Timothy Weah

RW · Marseille

Weah has been a key player for Marseille with 37 appearances, 3 goals, and 4 assists (2647 minutes), though manager Roberto De Zerbi's firing on Feb 11 creates short-term uncertainty about his role. His tactical versatility - playing both wing and wing-back - is exactly what Pochettino values. With 88 caps and 12 international goals, his experience and work rate make him a lock for the roster despite the managerial change at club level.

95%

Folarin Balogun

ST · Monaco

Balogun continues his peak form — named Monaco's February Player of the Month, then a goal and assist in a dominant 3-1 win over PSG on March 6, followed by another goal in a 2-0 win over Brest on March 14. His 36 appearances, 14 goals, and 4 assists (2564 minutes) showcase unmatched consistency and big-game mentality. With 55 caps, 21 international goals, and 4 assists, he is the leading candidate to start as Pochettino's No. 9. Form rating of 5/5 reflects red-hot form peaking at exactly the right time for the World Cup.

95%

Ricardo Pepi

ST · PSV Eindhoven

Pepi continues to deliver at PSV and has now secured his post-World Cup future: ESPN reports Fulham have had a €40m offer accepted, with a verbal deal in place for him to join the Premier League after the tournament. His in-season numbers — 27 appearances, 13 goals, and 2 assists (1225 minutes) — reflect his role as one of Europe's more efficient supersubs, with a 7.21 FotMob rating. He is included in the March USMNT squad alongside Balogun and Agyemang. With 63 caps, 23 international goals, and 7 assists, he has one of the most prolific international strike rates in the pool. Form rating of 4/5 reflects strong output when healthy. He and Balogun will be the primary striker options for the World Cup, with Pochettino likely deciding which leads from the front as the tournament draws closer.

70%

Haji Wright

ST · Coventry City

Wright's outstanding February — PFA Championship Fans' Player of the Month, 6 goals in 5 games — has been abruptly halted by a groin injury. He was substituted off in the 63rd minute of Coventry's 2-1 loss to Southampton, and the Coventry Telegraph reports the USMNT omission suggests the groin issue may be more serious than initially thought. His season numbers remain impressive: 38 appearances, 17 goals, and 2 assists (including two hat-tricks). With 20 caps and 8 international goals, he has established himself as a genuine World Cup option. Status updated to UNCERTAIN — the groin injury's severity is unclear, and missing the final pre-World Cup friendlies at such a critical time is concerning. Form rating drops to 3/5 to reflect the injury interruption of what was elite-level form. If he returns quickly and healthy, his case remains very strong; if the injury lingers, it could cost him a roster spot.

50%

Kevin Paredes

LW · Wolfsburg

Paredes remained unavailable for Wolfsburg as of March 7, still out past his originally expected return date of March 1. His 29 appearances, 1 goal, and 3 assists (678 minutes) in 2025/26 show limited impact when fit. With only 3 caps and no international goals, he faces an uphill battle regardless. Form rating of 2/5 reflects ongoing injury and inconsistent production. Wolfsburg are fighting relegation, adding further pressure. Status: injured.

25%

Alejandro Zendejas

RW · CF America

Zendejas committed to the USMNT over Mexico and has delivered solid output at Club América in Liga MX — 6 appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist in 2026. The Philadelphia Inquirer (March 11) called his Concacaf Champions Cup appearance at Subaru Park 'a milestone' in his World Cup push, with teammates rooting for him. However, CBS Sports (March 11) raises the central concern: injury history. Zendejas has struggled to stay fit throughout his career, and with a crowded wide attacker pool, even a minor setback could cost him. With 13 caps, 2 international goals, and 1 assist, his pace and creativity from the wing are genuine assets. Pochettino rates him. Form rating of 4/5 reflects current club output. He needs to stay healthy through May to force his way into the final 26.

20%

On the Bubble

Noahkai Banks

CB · Augsburg · 70%

Banks represents the most significant eligibility gamble Pochettino faces heading into the World Cup. The 19-year-old opted out of the March camp and Pochettino himself confirmed at the squad announcement that Banks is 'very clear' about his undecided status — making this far more serious than speculation. Banks is eligible for three countries (USA, Germany, Spain) and the DFB is actively competing for his commitment. At Augsburg, he has 27 Bundesliga appearances (19 starts), 1 goal, 1 assist, and a 6.9 FotMob rating — genuinely impressive numbers for a teenager in one of Europe's toughest leagues. With 0 senior USMNT caps, he can still choose Germany, and every week without a commitment increases the risk. Pochettino's public acknowledgment of the situation may be a strategic move — applying pressure or extending an implicit ultimatum. Rosterability adjusted to 20%: his talent is undeniable, but an uncommitted player who has never earned a USMNT cap cannot reliably be planned around with the World Cup 10 weeks away.

Miles Robinson

CB · FC Cincinnati · 50%

Robinson started 2026 MLS season in dominant fashion - captaining FC Cincinnati to a 2-0 win over Atlanta United on Feb 22 with a Player of the Match performance, earning his sixth Team of the Matchday honor. With 38 caps and 3 international goals, he's Pochettino's go-to defensive closer - one of the first names called to see out matches. After missing the 2022 World Cup due to injury, he's cementing his value as a physical, commanding center-back option.

Johnny Cardoso

CDM · Atletico Madrid · 50%

Cardoso put the earlier hamstring concern firmly to rest, playing the full 90 minutes in Atletico Madrid's dominant 5-2 UCL win over Tottenham on March 11. His 33 appearances, 1 goal, and strong defensive work (3.79 tackles per 90) make him a legitimate midfield option for Pochettino. With 36 caps and 2 international goals, his ball-winning ability is valuable. Healthy and playing in the Champions League at full fitness, his roster chances have improved.

Alex Freeman

RB · Villarreal · 50%

Freeman joined Villarreal from Orlando City in January but has failed to break into the La Liga side, sitting as an unused substitute in four consecutive matches. The lack of playing time is a concern heading into the World Cup window — his 14 caps and 4 international goals show Pochettino rates him, and Dest's hamstring injury opens the door at right back, but Freeman needs minutes to stay sharp. His trajectory has stalled at club level for now; form rating drops accordingly.

Patrick Agyemang

ST · Derby County · 40%

Agyemang continues to play himself into the World Cup conversation at Derby County. His 57 appearances, 18 goals, and 5 assists in the Championship are exceptional numbers, and the proof is in the market: both Leeds United and Crystal Palace are now chasing his signature, with Derby demanding a 'bumper price' of around £20m. He was named to the March USMNT squad for the Belgium and Portugal friendlies, giving him a crucial opportunity to impress Pochettino in the final pre-World Cup window. With 12 caps and 5 international goals, his physicality and aerial threat (104 aerial duels won this season) offer Pochettino something different from the other strikers in the pool. Form rating of 4/5 reflects elite Championship output. Top-flight transfer interest from two Premier League clubs validates his level — if he delivers in March and keeps producing at Derby, it will be very hard to leave him out of the 26.