Notes
All kinds of excitement on the announcement of the teams for the World Cup along with new song: World Cup song
USA announcement video Brazil Video USA promo Video.
What a great final Game of MLS Season before the World Cup Break as Messi and Miami won a high scoring affair over Philly at home. (highlights). Where is your Favorite WC Team training? Poch emailed the boys who were left out. Alright Alright Alright Dempsey compares Zendejas to himself. Zendajas is one of the top scores in Mexico for Club America’. Chicago Fire GK Chris Brady is on the team.. US hype from MLS The US has arrived in Atlanta at the new training facility.
Nor forgetting the US Ladies who are off to Brazil – Triple Expresso is back as The Ladies prepare for a tough pair of games in cities where they will probably be playing next summer in the World Cup.
In other news Huge Congrats to Arsenal 2026 Premier League Champs for the first time in over 20 years hopefully they can continue it by winning Champions League over PSG Sat. 12 noon. Thrilling to see Bournemouth and Tyler Adams make Europa League play for the first time like ever – they just missed out on Champions League. Crystal Palace won the Europa Conference League over Rayo Vallencano Wed despite Chris Richards missing out with a ligament tear in his ankle. (well see when he suits up for the US this Sun or next weekend or not till the World Cup?
Champions League Final Arsenal vs PSG Sat 3 pm on CBS, Para+
So can Arsenal actually find a way to pull off the upset on Saturday or will PSG make it two in a row? I think PSG wins this 2-1 but still a great season for Arsenal.
US Men World Cup Roster is Set – Play Senagal Sun 3 pm on TBS, HBO
So the Men’s Roster is set and of course – Poch picked the obvious ones properly – but coming in to a World Cup with only 1 #6/Defensive midfielder is ludicrous! Tyler Adams – you know the guy who has missed half the season with a bad back and hasn’t suited up for the US in 6 months and has a propensity to get aggressive yellow cards up the field, is our only Dmid. He inexplicably left off our 2 other dmids in Tanner Tessman and Aiden Morris after our Atletico Madrid man Johnny Cordosa went down with injury. Instead he brings MLS’ers Berhalter – who is an attacking mid #8 not a DMid and Christian Roldan a player I love for chemistry but is not a Dmid either, He’s going to lock Weston McKinny back there — which doesn’t allow McKennie to wander – or doesn’t allow Adams to pressure and dispossess up the field. Either way its a HUGE mistake by Botchitino – that could very well cost us when we get to the 3rd game and Adams is sitting on a yellow and can’t play vs Turkey for first place in the Group.Overall this is best the US has to offer right now. Honestly while we’ll have to see if they if this Golden Generation can earn its way in World Cup play – or only excels and playing at the best clubs overseas collectively in our short World Cup history. If Botch Blows this and gets us Grouped I will never forgive him after spending thousands to follow the US around this summer. I suspect he’ll start strong line-up in our first match vs Senagal on Sunday afternoon – though I don’t expect to see CB Chris Richards until Chicago next weekend if not till World Cup play. I suspect Aaron Trusty will get the first chance to slot in next Tim Ream with Dest and Robinson on the edges. I see the US winning 2-1 over Senagal.
US Men World Cup Roster
GOALKEEPERS (3): 25-Chris Brady (Chicago Fire; 0/0; Naperville, Ill.), 24-Matt Freese (New York City FC; 14/0; Wayne, Pa.), 1-Matt Turner (New England Revolution; 53/0; Park Ridge, N.J.)
DEFENDERS (10): 18-Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 18/1; Fresno, Calif.), 2-Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 37/2; Almere, Netherlands), 16-Alex Freeman (Villarreal/ESP; 15/2; Plantation, Fla.), 22-Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 27/0; Bear, Del.), 13-Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 80/1; St. Louis, Mo.), 3-Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 36/3; Birmingham, Ala.), 5-Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 52/4; Liverpool, England), 12-Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 38/3; Arlington, Mass.), 23-Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 24/0; Lake Grove, N.Y.), 6-Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 6/0; Media, Pa.)
MIDFIELDERS (6): 4-Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth/ENG; 52/2; Wappingers Falls, N.Y.), 14-Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps; 11/1; Columbus, Ohio), 8-Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 64/12; Little Elm, Texas), 7-Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 36/9; Bedford, N.Y.), 15-Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 45/0; Pico Rivera, Calif.), 17-Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen/GER; 28/3; Fürth, Germany)
FORWARDS (7): 11-Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 57/9; Medford, N.J.), 20-Folarin Balogun (Monaco/FRA; 25/8; London, England), 9-Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 35/13; El Paso, Texas), 10-Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 84/32; Hershey, Pa.), 21-Tim Weah (Olympique Marseille/FRA; 49/7; Rosedale, N.Y.), 19-Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG; 20/7; Los Angeles, Calif.), 26-Alejandro Zendejas (Club América/MEX; 13/2; El Paso, Texas)
US Ladies Travel to Brazil for 2 Game Series Next Sun -Triple Expresso is back
The USWNT is pouring itself a triple shot of espresso, as attacking trio Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson, and Sophia Wilson headline today’s 26-player roster for next month’s friendlies in Brazil. Swanson returns to the US women’s national team for the first time since 2024, joining “Triple Espresso” teammates Rodman and Wilson for the first time since winning the 2024 Paris Olympics.“It’s fantastic for our team, both on and off the field, to have Trinity and our two soccer moms back on the same roster,” said Hayes, as Wilson and Swanson continue their returns from parental leave. (See full roster)
Taking stock: The USWNT will manage key absences against the 2027 World Cup host, as Naomi Girma nurses a lingering calf knock, Catarina Macario deals with a heel injury, and Sam Coffey recovers from knee surgery.Third goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn is back in the lineup, alongside fellow returners Michelle Cooper, Croix Bethune, and Riley Jackson.“Few challenges in women’s international soccer compare to facing Brazil in Brazil, so we’re excited for the valuable lessons this experience will bring,” Hayes added.
Swanson returns to the US women’s national team for the first time since 2024, joining “Triple Espresso” teammates Rodman and Wilson for the first time since winning the 2024 Paris Olympics.“It’s fantastic for our team, both on and off the field, to have Trinity and our two soccer moms back on the same roster,” said Hayes, as Wilson and Swanson continue their returns from parental leave. (See full roster) Third goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn is back in the lineup, alongside fellow returners Michelle Cooper, Croix Bethune, and Riley Jackson.“Few challenges in women’s international soccer compare to facing Brazil in Brazil, so we’re excited for the valuable lessons this experience will bring,” Hayes added. The USWNT will face Brazil on June 6th at Neo Química Arena in São Paulo and again on June 9th at Arena Castelão in Fortaleza.
GOALKEEPERS (3): Claudia Dickey (Seattle Reign FC), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United)
DEFENDERS (8): Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC), Emily Fox (Arsenal FC), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Lilly Reale (Gotham FC), Tara Rudd (Washington Spirit), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC), Gisele Thompson (Angel City FC), Kennedy Wesley (San Diego Wave)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Croix Bethune (Kansas City Current), Lindsey Heaps (OL Lyonnes), Claire Hutton (Bay FC), Riley Jackson (North Carolina Courage), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Jaedyn Shaw (Gotham FC), Lily Yohannes (OL Lyonnes)
FORWARDS (7): Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Emma Sears (Racing Louisville), Ally Sentnor (Kansas City Current), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Stars), Alyssa Thompson (Chelsea FC), Sophia Wilson (Portland Thorns)
Indy 11 beat Lexington 3-1 Host Rhode Island Sat 7 pm Pride Night
Indianapolis – On the eve of the Indianapolis 500, Indy Eleven took an early lead, temporarily let up on the gas, but accelerated in the final half hour to race across the finish line with a 3-1 victory over visiting Lexington SC, extending their unbeaten streak at Michael A. Carroll Stadium to eight games (7-0-1). Indy Eleven will look to extend their unbeaten streak that dates back to last season on Saturday, May 30, when they host Eastern Conference opponent Rhode Island FC at Carroll Stadium at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $14 online and fans can add an Indy Eleven Pride Knit Scarf at checkout for $20. For this match only, Desnuda Tequila Deck tickets are $29! Ticket options include the new Desnuda Tequila Deck, Family Four-Packs, and Flex Mini-Plans. Noble Okello has been called up for the WC for Uganda while Anthony Herbert will compete for Trinidad & Tobago.
On the Ladies side Indy Eleven fell to USL W League Valley Division rival Racing Louisville FC in a hard-fought 1-0 loss Wednesday evening in 82-degree conditions. The Girls in Blue remain in third place in the division and travel to Toledo to face Toledo Villa FC for the final road game of the regular season next Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Sports Engine Play.
Good luck to all those In State Cup, President’s Cup and Challenge Cup play Sat/Sun at Grand Park
Best of luck to our Carmel FC qualifiers: – I’ll look for you after I ref in the AM
⚽ 2012 Boys Gold
⚽ 2013 Boys Gold
⚽ 2013 Boys Blue
⚽ 2015 Boys Gold
⚽ 08/10 Girls Gold
⚽ 2012 Girls Gold
⚽ 2013 Girls Gold
⚽ 2013 Girls Blue
⚽ 2014 Girls Gold
⚽ 2014 Girls Blue
TV Schedule – Games on TV
Fri, May 29
8 pm Prime Racing Louisville vs Denver Summit (Amazon Prime)
Sat, May 30 Champions League Final
12 noon CBS PSG vs Arsenal
1:30 pm Ion, Tubi KC Current vs Boston Legacy NWSL
4 pm Ion, Tubi Portland Thorn vs Utah Royals NWSL
6:30 pm Ion, Tubi Washington Spirit vs Seattle Reign NWSL
7 pm MyIndy TV23 Indy 11 vs Rhode Island
8 pm FSI Toluca vs Tigres Concacaf Championship
Sun, May 31
9 am FS2 Switzerland vs Jordan
1 pm CBSSN Chicago Stars vs San Diego Wave NWSL
2:45 pm FS2 Germany vs Finland (Friendly)
3:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Senegal
5:30 pm Telemundo? Brazil vs Panama
7 pm Victory Angel City vs NC Courage NWSL
Mon, June 1
1 pm FS2 Norway vs Sweden
2:45 pm fubo, Tubi Austria vs Tunisia
7 pm Uni? Colombia vs Costa Rica
9 pm FS2 Canada vs Uzbekistan
Tues, June 2
1 pm Fubu, Tubi Croatia vs Belgium
2:45 pm FS2 Wales vs Ghana
8 pm Uni? FoxD Haiti vs New Zealand
Wed, June 3
2:45 pm Fubu, Netherlands vs Algeria
Thurs, June 4
1 pm Fubu, Tubi Croatia vs Belgium
3 pm Prime? Spain vs Iraq
3:15 pm FS+, Fubu France vs Ivory Coast
10 pm Uni? FoxD Mexico vs Serbia
Fri, June 5
7 pm FS2 Canada vs Ireland
Sat, June 6
2:30 pm TBS, HBO, Peacock USA Men vs Germany in Chicago Tix
5:30 pm TBS, HBO, Peacock USA Ladies @ Brazil
4 pm FS+ England vs New Zealand
7 pm Wish TV8 Indy 11 vs Forward Madison FC
8 pm Uni? FoxD Argentina vs Honduras
Sun, June 7
2:45 pm FS2 Croatia vs Slovenia
3 pm ESPND, plus Morocco vs Norway
Mon, June 8
2:45 pm FS2 Netherlands vs Uzbekistan
3 pm ?? France vs N. Ireland
10 pm ?? Peru vs Spain
Tues, June 9
8:30 pm TNT, HBO, Peacock USA Ladies @ Brazil
Thur, June, 11 World Cup
3 pm Fox Mexico vs South Africa
10 pm FS1 Korea vs Czech Republic
Sat, June 12 WORLD CUP
7 pm ESPN+ Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs Indy 11
9 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Paraguay World Cup
Fri, June 19
3 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup
Thur, June 25
10 pm Fox, Tele, Peacock USA Men vs Australia World Cup
Complete 2026 World Cup schedule featuring match dates and start times
NWSL Schedule
MLS Schedule
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Champions League Final Sat 12 noon
Champions League final betting odds: Why PSG are favourites to beat Arsenal
PSG’s Luis Enrique offers take on Arsenal styl
Dembélé, Hakimi fit to return for PSG in UCL final
Carra: Arsenal minnows in Europe without CL win
Ousmane Dembele praises ‘excellent’ Arsenal ahead of UCL final
Arsenal’s Timber fit to start Champions League final
Pundit explains the variables that make Arsenal Champions League
US Men
USA vs. Senegal, 2026 USMNT Friendly: Scouting Senegal
Antonee Robinson relieved to be back with USMNT after knee surgery
How USMNT’s Alex Zendejas earned his World Cup moment
Reffing
NWSL Season Goes on Hiatus for World Cup
The NWSL is going out with a bang, as a top-table Saturday clash between No. 1 Utah and No. 2 Portland headlines the final slate before June’s midseason break.
The Royals and Thorns sit atop the NWSL standings with 23 points apiece — though Utah has both a game in hand and undeniable momentum coming off a nine-game unbeaten streak.“[The game] will just require the same elements we’ve been doing really well,” Utah manager Jimmy Coenraets said ahead of the weekend showdown. “We’ll have to measure intensity.” (See full standings) Taking stock: Potent attacking duos fuel both teams, as Portland’s Sophia Wilson and Olivia Moultrie attempt to offset Utah’s Chloe Lacasse and Mina Tanaka. Moultrie should play a major factor in the Thorns’ game plan, as she currently sits tied for league assists-leader while ranking fourth in goals scored with four through 10 games. (See full stats)“We have to be efficient in front of the goal,” added Coenraets. “All of the games we’ve been winning thus far, we’ve been efficient.” Tune in: Utah takes on Portland on Saturday at 4 PM ET, live on ION.
Analyzing USMNT’s 2026 World Cup squad: Pochettino’s top stars, key players and weaknesses
By Paul Tenorio, Henry Bushnell, Tom Bogert and Felipe Cardenas
May 26, 2026 Updated May 27, 2026 The Athletic has live coverage of the latest 2026 World Cup news.
For the past eight years, hope and expectation in the United States have circled the home World Cup in 2026.
After the success of the 1994 World Cup in building a more stable environment for professional soccer, the belief was that 2026 could be “rocket fuel” for the sport — whatever that meant to whichever executive used the tag line.The U.S. learned it would be a cohost just months after failing to qualify for a tournament for the first time since 1986. That disaster in Trinidad was devastating, but one that led to immediate change. Quickly, hope was rebuilt around a group of young players that many believed could be a golden generation for American men’s soccer.That group was the second-youngest team at the World Cup in Qatar, where it emerged from its group before losing to the Netherlands in the knockout stage. In the aftermath of that loss, any realized that the development and maturation of those players from 2022 to 2026 would likely determine their legacy.
Now, with a star coach, Mauricio Pochettino, many of those same players — Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna and Tyler Adams among them — plus some fresh faces will take the field in 2026 looking to fulfill all of those expectations. Here is a deeper look at Pochettino’s 26-man squad, one tasked with not just succeeding, but living up to the hype and continuing to build soccer in America. (Players are listed alphabetically by last name)
Goalkeepers
Chris Brady
Club: Chicago FireAge: 22Caps: 0World Cup experience: None
Brady has never played for the senior national team — he is the second uncapped player in the USMNT’s modern era (1990-present) to make a World Cup roster (GK Juergen Sommer, 1994) — but he was a standout at youth levels. Having established himself in MLS with Chicago, he became a regular in U.S. camps. He likely won’t see the field this summer, but he should get every opportunity to earn the starting job throughout the 2030 World Cup cycle.
Matt Freese
Club: New York City FCAge: 27Caps: 14World Cup experience: None
Three years ago, Freese was an MLS backup. Now, he’s set to start for the U.S. at a home World Cup. He established himself as the team’s top goalkeeper throughout 2025, and will soon step into the biggest spotlight he’s ever encountered.
A self-described “nerd” who played two years at Harvard, Freese took the long, slow road to the top of his profession. He spent his first few years out of college as a reserve in Philadelphia. A trade to NYCFC helped unlock his talent. His shot-stopping earned him a maiden national team call-up in January 2025, and just five months later, his heroics in a penalty shootout against Costa Rica earned him praise and trust. “Penalties,” he said afterward, “are my thing.”
A glance at the shots he has faced suggests he might be a little vulnerable on his left side, but his MLS record shows that shot-stopping is in line with expectation — with 18 goals conceded matching the quality of shots he has faced (Expected Goals on Target — xGOT).
He is not at the level of former U.S. keepers like Brad Friedel or Tim Howard. In fact, some would argue he’s not even a standout in MLS. But he’s the USMNT’s No. 1.
Matt Turner
Club: New England RevolutionAge: 31Caps: 53World Cup experience: 2022
Turner was the starting goalkeeper at the 2022 World Cup. But over the three years that followed, he struggled for playing time in England, lost some confidence and sharpness, and eventually lost his place as the U.S. No. 1.
At his best, he’s a super shot-stopper — long, lanky and athletic. But he hasn’t been at his best for a while now. It’s unclear if he’s still in contention for the starting job, or if he’s firmly behind Freese.
Defenders
Max Arfsten
Club: Columbus CrewAge: 25Caps: 18World Cup experience: None
Arfsten has quite the story. While his now-U.S. teammates were starting pro careers or jumping to Europe as teens, he was playing high school soccer in Fresno, Calif. “Which is crazy,” Arfsten told The Athletic last fall, his mind blown by the contrast. “But everyone’s journey is different.”He gradually rose through the American soccer ranks, from the University of California, Davis, to the San Jose Earthquakes reserves, and eventually to MLS in Columbus. After every step up, he’d tell himself: “I belong.” He did just that when he earned his first USMNT call last year. And he quickly earned Pochettino’s trust.He is not a natural left back, and has been exposed defensively when asked to play there, but could be an option as a wingback off the bench this summer if the U.S. is chasing a game.
Sergiño Dest
Club: PSV EindhovenAge: 25Caps: 37World Cup experience: 2022
Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Surinamese-American father, Dest chose in 2019 to represent the U.S. and has been a key contributor ever since.Nominally, he is a defender, but he’s better described as an enigmatic playmaker. He starts at fullback, but his unique strength is his ability to carry the ball from wide areas into dangerous ones and unbalance opponents. He can start on the right or the left, and will often look like a winger in possession.His hamstring injury, suffered in March, seems to be behind him, and all stars seem aligned for Dest to seize the World Cup stage again this summer.
Alex Freeman
Club: Villarreal (Spain)Age: 21Caps: 15World Cup experience: None
Maybe the breakout player in the U.S. pool under Pochettino, Freeman, the son of former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman, went from earning his first cap in June 2025 to potentially starting at a World Cup a year later. It’s an incredible rise.
He’s seen similar growth at the club level. The right back moved from the academy at Orlando City to its second team in 2022, then debuted with the MLS side in 2023 before his national team debut in 2025. He was transferred to Villarreal in Spain for $4 million in January 2026 and was able to make nine appearances with three starts over the last months of the La Liga season.Pochettino has used Freeman as both a right wingback and a right back who can slide into a central position or out to a more typical right back spot. His ability to get involved in the attack can unbalance opponents.
Alex Freeman has become a U.S. mainstay under Mauricio Pochettino after surging onto the national team radarJared C. Tilton / Getty Images
Mark McKenzie
Club: Toulouse (France)Age: 27Caps: 27World Cup experience: None
One of the last cuts from the 2022 squad, the former Philadelphia Union homegrown player has found a way into the squad with his consistency at Toulouse. McKenzie moved to Belgium from MLS in 2021 and has spent the last five seasons in Europe. He started 56 of 59 games he’s played in Ligue 1 over the past two seasons and also started eight games under Pochettino.
McKenzie has good athleticism and can play on the right side of a back three or in a back two. He created 19 chances for Toulouse this season, an extremely high rate for his position, and he’s mostly solid defensively, though he is susceptible when defending in 1-on-1 situations.
He has the chance to start if Pochettino opts for three center backs on the field.
Tim Ream
Club: Charlotte FCAge: 38Caps: 80World Cup experience: 2022
Ream is the USMNT’s elder statesman and captain. He’ll be the oldest player to ever appear for the U.S. at a men’s World Cup. And his national team story is a remarkable one.
After a decade as an intermittent-but-steady presence in defense, Ream was frozen out for an entire year in the buildup to the 2022 World Cup. He “made peace” with the apparent fact that he’d never reach soccer’s pinnacle. But a surprise call-up changed his career and his life. He started every match in Qatar, earned the nickname “Grandpa,” and then kept on earning his place over the coming months and years.
Now, on the verge of his second World Cup, at age 38, he has battled niggling injuries and struggled to keep up with youthful forwards. But he’s arguably the best ball-playing center back the U.S. has ever had, and is one of the best passers on this team.
USMNT center backs Tim Ream and Chris Richards will lead the U.S. defense this summerShaun Clark / ISI Photos / Getty Images
Chris Richards
Club: Crystal PalaceAge: 26Caps: 36World Cup experience: None
Richards is perhaps the USMNT’s most important player. A well-rounded center back who’s strong in the air and underrated with the ball, the Alabama native will anchor a U.S. defense that is otherwise fragile.He’ll also be fulfilling a dream that was ripped away from him four years earlier. Having ascended from the FC Dallas academy to Bayern Munich, then settled at Crystal Palace in England, he looked set to start for the U.S. at the 2022 World Cup before a hamstring injury left him stuck at home, devastated.Another ill-timed injury, this time an ankle sprain, has thrown his 2026 status into question, but multiple sources told The Athletic last week that Richards will be “good for the World Cup, 100%.”
Antonee Robinson
Club: FulhamAge: 28Caps: 52World Cup experience: 2022
Robinson is a player who has become crucial to the success of this team. Tactics can shift in one direction or another depending on his fitness and availability. Robinson is an aggressive attacking fullback who can tilt the field in the U.S.’s favor. This summer, he will be among Pochettino’s most trusted players and an integral part of the manager’s gameday setup.
Robinson is expected to be both a stout 1-v-1 defender — he’s often matched up against the opposing team’s top winger — and a dangerous player on the flank going forward. After recovering from offseason knee surgery and complications that followed, Robinson is primed for a standout World Cup.
Miles Robinson
Club: FC Cincinnati
Age: 29Caps: 38World Cup experience: None
It will be a huge relief for Robinson to book a spot on this World Cup team after he was cruelly denied a chance to play in 2022 when he ruptured his Achilles tendon six months before the tournament. Robinson was in line to start in Qatar, and his injury helped open the door for Ream to come back into the team.
Drafted by Atlanta United with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, the Syracuse product has long been considered a top prospect because of his elite athleticism. That was hampered somewhat by the Achilles injury, but Robinson still boasts the speed and strength of a top defender, though he’s not always in the right spaces tactically and isn’t the most dependable on the ball.
Joe Scally
Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach (Germany)Age: 23Caps: 24World Cup experience: 2022
Scally, a New York native, is valued for his versatility. He can play wingback, fullback or center back in a defensive three, and he can do all of it on either the right or left side of the field. He doesn’t have the on-ball skill or calmness to become a truly elite player, but he’s a buccaneering athlete. His physicality and 1-v-1 defending are the reasons he has already made 167 appearances for Mönchengladbach, the German club he joined as a teen.
He’ll now be looking for his first World Cup appearance. Although he made the 2022 team, he did not get game time in Qatar. It’s not entirely clear what his role will be in 2026.
Auston Trusty won the Scottish league title with CelticIan MacNicol / Getty Images
Auston Trusty
Club: Celtic (Scotland)Age: 27Caps: 6World Cup experience: None
A former Philadelphia Union homegrown player, Trusty was a starter for his hometown team in 2018 and 2019 before being traded to the Colorado Rapids. After two-plus seasons there, Trusty wanted a move to Europe and the Rapids’ partner club, Arsenal, both owned by Stan Kroenke, bought him and sent him on loan to Birmingham City. Trusty proved himself a reliable defender in the Championship with both Birmingham and Sheffield United before moving to Celtic for $7.8 million.
A left-footed center back with good size, he’s a physical presence that can win aerial duels and defend well. Coming off a dramatic Scottish domestic double with Celtic, he’s an option to start in a back three, or to step into the lineup if Ream falters.
Midfielders
Brenden Aaronson
Club: Leeds (England)Age: 25Caps: 57World Cup experience: 2022
One of the more resilient players in the national team pool, Aaronson has risen to a Premier League starter despite a slight frame and unconventional strengths and profile. A Philadelphia Union homegrown player, Aaronson was developed in a high-pressing system of play that was perfect for his high-motor, high-capacity running style. His success as a No. 10 in MLS earned him a move to Red Bull Salzburg. Playing in a dominant team there, Aaronson had nine goals and nine assists across two seasons in the Austrian Bundesliga before Leeds bought him to fit into its similar style of play. It was hardly a perfect start there. Aaronson struggled in the Premier League and was loaned to Union Berlin when Leeds was relegated. He returned to the team for the promotion push last season, and this year found a new level, starting 30 games in the Premier League and scoring four goals with five assists.
The U.S. will need him to do more than press and cause issues. He must show he can be goal dangerous at the highest international level.
Tyler Adams
Club: Bournemouth (England)Age: 27Caps: 52World Cup experience: 2022
Like Robinson, Adams’ availability can dictate how well the U.S. plays on the day. In Qatar four years ago, Adams established himself as a bonafide leader, captaining the second-youngest team at the tournament. He was arguably the best U.S. player at that World Cup after four consistent performances in central midfield.
Adams is a tough tackler who can hunt the ball and mark an attacking player out of the game. He can cover space in midfield and organize his side with or without the ball. As a defensive midfielder, one of Adams’ most important roles is to limit the opposition’s capacity to play freely in the middle of the park.
There is no better evidence of that than looking at his player dashboard, as one of the most active midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues when it comes to front-foot defending.
Sebastian Berhalter
Club: Vancouver WhitecapsAge: 25Caps: 11World Cup experience: None
The son of former U.S. men’s national team manager Gregg Berhalter, the Whitecaps midfielder has earned every bit of this World Cup roster spot. First loaned out and then traded from his homegrown team, the Columbus Crew, Berhalter worked his way into a starting role with Vancouver. He has since become an integral part of one of the best teams in MLS, pushing them to appearances in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup final and 2025 MLS Cup.Berhalter has 10 goals and 19 assists over the past season and a half in Vancouver, and he stepped into a starting role under Pochettino at last summer’s Gold Cup and earned the manager’s trust with his attitude and work ethic. A tireless runner who is unafraid to mix it up, Berhalter brings value to the team beyond what happens in games. He’ll be counted on to keep the level high within the group with his mentality. He also adds value with fantastic set-piece delivery.
Weston McKennie
Club: Juventus (Italy)
Age: 27Caps: 64World Cup experience: 2022
McKennie, all things considered, had the best 2025-26 season of any American man in global soccer. He made himself indispensable at Juventus in Italy, whether as a wingback or a free-roaming attacker. Year after year, Juve coaches or executives have tried to marginalize him; and year after year, in a variety of different positions, he’s proven he belongs. “He has all the qualities to do well anywhere,” his current Juve coach, Luciano Spalletti, raved.
A look through The Athletic’s season-level player dashboard highlights just how many positions he has occupied across the pitch.
For the U.S., he has largely played as an attacking midfielder. A lack of depth at the base of midfield might pull him back into a deeper role, but whatever the ask, McKennie will be capable. He met the moment at the 2022 World Cup, when he bossed England and helped create the USMNT’s decisive goal against Iran. He’ll be one of the team’s most influential players this summer.
Gio Reyna
Club: Borussia Mönchengladbach (Germany)Age: 23Caps: 36World Cup experience: 2022
The son of USMNT legend Claudio Reyna, the attacking midfielder was once thought to be on track to become a bigger U.S. star than Pulisic. It hasn’t quite worked out that way. After wonderful early returns as a teenager at Borussia Dortmund, injury, controversy and fitness issues have hampered that idealized trajectory. For the broader audience, Reyna is known mostly for his actions at the 2022 World Cup (and his parents involvement after), and his struggles to get on the field at the club level have left little else to talk about. While he’s had some bright moments — most notably in the Concacaf Nations League — Reyna will consider himself fortunate to be included on Pochettino’s roster. The Argentine has called him “a special situation” who warrants an exception to what the coach insisted would be a merit-based process in which reputation would not supersede form.If he can conjure the talent he displayed as a 17- and 18-year-old, it’ll reward Pochettino for the risk, but whether he has the legs to perform at the highest level will be tested.
Cristian Roldan
Club: Seattle SoundersAge: 30Caps: 45World Cup experience: 2022
The ultimate glue guy, Roldan is one of the most respected veterans in the U.S. locker room. He was part of the 2022 team in a similar role, becoming a mentor and friend to some of the team’s biggest stars, including Pulisic and chMcKennie.
A stalwart for a Sounders team that has been one of the most successful in North American during his time with the club, Roldan was called the “perfect player” by Pochettino last fall. His steadiness in midfield could make him one of the surprise players at the World Cup for the U.S. if he is able to get on the field — which he did not do in Qatar.
Roldan, who turns 31 on June 3, can play in either central midfield role and, as he showed last fall against Australia with two assists in a 2-1 win, he’s more than capable of impacting the game in a bigger way.
Malik Tillman
Club: Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)Age: 23Caps: 28World Cup experience: None
The son of an American serviceman and German mother, Tillman was born and raised in Germany and played for the youth national teams of both countries before committing to play for the U.S. senior team in May 2022. A former Bayern Munich prospect, Tillman missed out on the Qatar World Cup, but has developed nicely as an attacking option with stops at Rangers and PSV before moving to Leverkusen for $41 million last summer.Tillman, who turns 24 on May 28, has found most of his national team success under Pochettino, breaking out in a starring role at the 2025 Gold Cup. A creative midfielder with a quiet personality, Tillman is at his best combining in and around the 18-yard box. He had six goals in the Bundesliga during an up-and-down season in which he started just twice in the final three months.
Tim Weah offers a ton of versatility to Mauricio Pochettino as he mulls his tactical approachJohn Dorton / ISI Photos / USSF / Getty Images
Tim Weah
Club: Olympique de MarseilleAge: 26
Caps: 49World Cup experience: 2022
The son of 1995 Ballon d’Or winner and Liberian great (and former president) George Weah, Tim was born and raised in Brooklyn. A winger with an ability to stretch the field vertically with pace and who is happy to cede the spotlight to others despite his famous last name, Weah scored the opening goal of the 2022 World Cup for the U.S. in its 1-1 draw with Wales.
He has become one of the most consistent and trusted performers for the national team. Weah played at PSG, Celtic, Lille and Juventus before moving back to Ligue 1 with Marseille. He can play as a winger or wingback on either side of the field, and can also play as a No. 9, though he had just two goals and two assists in France this season.
Don’t be surprised to see Weah slot in as a wingback rather than a winger in Pochettino’s system.
Alejandro Zendejas
Club: Club AméricaAge: 28Caps: 13World Cup experience: None
Born in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, before moving to the U.S. at a young age, Zendejas came up through the FC Dallas academy and made his professional debut in 2015 in MLS. He was quickly sold to Chivas Guadalajara, where the under-17 national team teammate of Pulisic, Adams and others had to reject all future call-ups from the U.S. team in order to fulfill Chivas’ tradition of using only Mexican players.Zendejas moved to Necaxa and then Club América in 2022, and after nearly being named to Mexico’s World Cup team — and illegally appearing for them without filing a one-time switch — he got back into the picture with the U.S. team. A quick winger who can create goals for himself and others, Zendejas has been one of América’s best players over the past four seasons, with 31 goals and 25 assists in league play, though that hasn’t always translated to U.S. call-upsOne of the most in-form players on the team, Zendejas will add a different, more dynamic look for the U.S. — evidenced by his September goal against Japan that helped turn the tide for a team in turmoil.
Forwards
Folarin Balogun
Club: AS Monaco
Age: 24Caps: 25World Cup experience: None
Balogun was U.S. Soccer’s blue-chip recruit of the 2026 World Cup cycle. A Brooklyn-born forward, he spent nearly his entire childhood in England, but in 2023 chose to represent the USMNT. And in doing so, he instantly lifted the team’s ceiling.
He’s the starting striker less because he’s lethal in front of goal, more because he knows how to get in front of goal. He runs off the shoulders of defenders. He sniffs out space in the penalty box. His movement “helps us massively,” Ream said last year. He enters the World Cup having scored 11 goals in his last 14 games for Monaco in France, and could introduce himself as a star to America this summer.
Ricardo Pepi
Club: PSV EindhovenAge: 23Caps: 35World Cup experience: None
At 19, Pepi was perhaps the most controversial omission from the 2022 World Cup squad. He was in form, scoring goals and had chosen to represent the U.S. over Mexico. Pepi was stunned and disappointed by the decision. Four years later, he’ll get his chance as a back-up striker under Pochettino.
Pepi has been a consistently reliable center forward in the Dutch Eredivisie. He scored 16 goals in 26 matches during the 2025-2026 season. The 6-foot-1 El Paso, Texas, native is a box-dwelling striker with good instincts and effective movement inside the opponent’s penalty area.
Christian Pulisic
Club: AC MilanAge: 27Caps: 84World Cup experience: 2022
Pulisic has been the face of the USMNT ever since he was a teen. He burst onto the scene at age 17, wore the captain’s armband at 20, and blazed trails for American players in Europe with his club exploits at Borussia Dortmund in Germany, Chelsea in England and AC Milan in Italy.
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He can play on either wing or through the middle, threatening defenders with his quickness and dribbling. Midway through this past season for Milan, he was surging toward a career year and looked like one of the very best players in Serie A. But he has not scored a single goal since calendars flipped to 2026.
He hasn’t scored for the national team since November 2024. He has looked frustrated as he skids toward the World Cup, which could be a legacy-defining moment for a player often talked about as the biggest American men’s soccer star ever.
Haji Wright
Club: Coventry CityAge: 28Caps: 20World Cup experience: 2022
A bit of a surprise on the roster in 2022 after finding his goal-scoring form in the lead-up to the tournament, Wright then became a goalscorer for the U.S. in the knockout stage against the Netherlands — albeit on a bit of a lucky touch. He has continued his goalscoring form since returning from Qatar. Wright has found double-digit goals for Coventry in every season in the Championship over the past three campaigns, including 18 goals in all competitions this season for a team that earned promotion by finishing first in the table with a dominant 95 points.
The Los Angeles native is a far different profile at 6-foot-4, 175-pounds, and he can come off the bench and bring a different look — especially after the Achilles injury for Patrick Agyemang. Wright is not a traditional target striker, though, and is as comfortable playing off the wing as he is up top.
USA’s World Cup captain might be Mauricio Pochettino’s worst-kept secret
USA’s defender Tim Ream poses with his 2026 World Cup jersey Timothy A. Clary / AFP / Getty Images
By Tom Bogert May 27, 2026
While U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has not yet formally named a captain for the 2026 World Cup, the identity of the leader for the first game against Paraguay on June 12 might be the squad’s worst-kept secret.Veteran center back Tim Ream, who emotionally accepted that his international career was likely over at the end of the 2022 World Cup but later became a trusted voice of experience under Pochettino, is who all signs point toward as skipper.
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Pochettino has not made his plans clear regarding a captaincy announcement, but he has time and again gone back to Ream for the armband, with the Charlotte FC defender having occupied the role for 16 of Pochettino’s 23 games in charge. In total, Ream has 80 U.S. caps.
At 38, somewhat remarkably, Ream is in line to become the oldest American player ever at a World Cup, beating the previous record set by the late Fernando Clavijo in 1994. He’ll be 38 years, 8 months and 7 days old when the U.S. takes to the SoFi Stadium field for its World Cup opener.
“I’ve done everything I possibly can to be sitting here, to be part of this group to make a second World Cup and have it be on home soil,” Ream told reporters on Tuesday. “I’m proud of all the decisions I’ve made, all the work I’ve done on and off the field that has landed me a second opportunity.”
Ream left Fulham of the English Premier League in 2024 to return to Major League Soccer, where he began his career with the New York Red Bulls in 2010. Even with Ream having been named to every camp under Pochettino and having been installed as captain for the Concacaf Gold Cup last summer, his appointment would be a notable departure from 2022, when Gregg Berhalter made midfielder Tyler Adams the youngest captain at the World Cup in Qatar. The 2022 squad voted on who they thought the best fit for the role was, and went for Adams a few days before the opening game against Wales.While Christian Pulisic was clearly the highest-profile player in that squad four years ago and remains so now, the AC Milan forward is typically freed from captaincy duties. Despite his nickname of Captain America — far from the first U.S. star to ever hold that moniker — he has been captain twice for Pochettino, and neither has proven to be a particular positive experience. During his most recent outing with the armband, Pulisic was subbed off injured after 31 minutes during an October friendly against Australia. His only previous captaincy since Pochettino became coach was in a defeat to Canada in the third-place game of the 2025 Concacaf Nations League.Ream’s composed style and popularity within the group seems to make him an admirable fit.“I am just another cog in the machine,” Ream said on Fox. “I try to help these guys as much as I can, but drawing on the experience we had in 2022 is going to be important. Now we have a group that knows what to expect and what is needed. It is just a reminder to enjoy all of what this is, embrace what this is and enjoy every moment.“This looks like if we had a game tomorrow. The training starts and it is all hands on deck, we are going after it from the very first training session and you have to treat each session as if it is the most important. We need to make sure we are ready to go on June 12 and that starts tomorrow.“You have to embrace it, you have to enjoy it, there is pressure no matter what game you play – it is a World Cup and it is the biggest single sporting event in the history of sports. Embrace it enjoy it and take everything in. There are so many people who would love to be in this position and we get to do it.”
Tyler Adams (left) was USMNT captain at the 2022 World Cup but hasn’t worn the armband under Mauricio Pochettino.Brad Smith / ISI Photos / Getty Images
Pochettino’s side opens its campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles, before taking on Australia in Seattle on June 19. The Group D slate closes out with a clash against Turkey back in L.A. on June 25.
Apart from Ream and Pulisic, the other leaders under Pochettino have been Chris Richards (twice), plus Miles Robinson, Matt Turner and Mark McKenzie once apiece.
When asked in New York on Tuesday, midfielder Weston McKennie insisted he has confidence in the leadership qualities across the 26-man squad regardless of who wears the armband.
“So far, Tim Ream has been captain the past games and it has also been Chris Richards, but, in this team, we have a lot of experienced guys,” McKennie said. “Anyone can wear the captain’s armband and take on that responsibility.
“At the end of the day, it’s still a whole team who has to go out there, and we are all family, like brothers. We love each other like family, it doesn’t matter who you put on armband on, everyone’s going to go out there and fight just the same.”
Tom Bogert is a Senior Writer for The Athletic
USMNT Tracker: Tyler Adams signs off on high but Christian Pulisic misses out on Champions League
Tyler Adam and Christian Pulisic in action for Bournemouth and Milan respectively Getty Images
May 25, 2026 Updated May 26, 2026
Christian Pulisic couldn’t save Milan’s Champions League hopes, but Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie had a happier season ending, while Auston Trusty secured more silverware for Celtic.
Welcome to this week’s USMNT Player Tracker.
Pulisic and Milan miss out on Champions League… again
Not with a bang but a whimper. That was how Milan’s season concluded, and although Christian Pulisic tried his best to change that, it also sums up the end to what started as a highly promising campaign for him.
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He was on the bench. Again. For the last three Serie A fixtures of the season, as Milan have fought to make the Champions League next term, the 27-year-old American forward has been among the substitutes.
Pulisic got 31 minutes against Sassuolo, missed the defeat by Atalanta with a glute muscle strain, played 14 minutes against Genoa (enough to register an assist) and in a game the Rossoneri needed to win to clinch fourth place, he came on at 46 minutes for the second half.
Ultimately, Milan could not hang on to a second-minute lead through Alexis Saelemaekers’ goal, and Cagliari came back at the San Siro to win 2-1. Pulisic battled gamely to make the difference. He had the joint-most touches (seven) in the opposition box, and completed the joint-most dribbles (three), according to Opta.
Christian Pulisic was dynamic and direct when he came off the bench against CagliariMarco Luzzani/Getty Images
But with none of the strikers around him firing, and Pulisic equally unable to find a way through, Milan did not test the visitors enough. With Como winning their final game, it meant Milan dropped into fifth place and missed out on Champions League qualification for a second consecutive season.
Clubs the size of Milan, and players of Pulisic’s ability, should be in Europe’s top competition. But the table never lies, and neither does the personal tally table, which shows Pulisic started the season on fire with 10 goals in all competitions, then plummeted at the turn of the year. In terms of numbers, he did not score in the second half of the season and managed two assists to take his creative haul for the campaign to four.
It is a drought that has been much-mentioned in this column and beyond. Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri has offered some mitigation, pointing out that his player has been sacrificed positionally, struggled with injuries and has not always been on the same page as team-mate Rafael Leao.
Pulisic reacts during the match against CagliariPiero Cruciatti / AFP via Getty Images
So what does it mean for the summer? Well, let’s look for some positives. The international team’s MVP will at least be fresher than he might have been if he had been starting every game in the run-in.
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Pulisic will also be arriving for the World Cup feeling a little kicked, a little irked, and perhaps aware his doubters have had fresh fuel this year. It might yield a fiery response to prove them wrong once more.
If that fire is burning ever brighter, then coming on top of the obvious motivation of a home soil World Cup, the USMNT should be set to see the best of their star player after a year to forget for his club.
McKennie signs off strongly after impressive season
Other players who seem set for Mauricio Pochettino’s roster had better final weekends of the season with their clubs.
Weston McKennie’s importance to the USMNT midfield has only been increased by the absence of Tanner Tessmann in the squad, meaning the Texan’s famed flexibility may be vital if he is to play in the double pivot midfield role next to Tyler Adams.
McKennie signed off a campaign in which he showed his worth for Juventus time and again — earning a new contract along the way — by impressing in their 2-2 draw at Torino.
Weston McKennie had an impressive season with JuventusMarco Bertorello / AFP via Getty Images
He played at right wing-back, and his 2025-26 numbers were strong. In 3,921 minutes for the Turin side in all competitions, he scored nine goals with eight assists. However, there was no Champions League qualification for Juve either — not what is expected at the Allianz Arena — and McKennie will join Pulisic in next season’s Europa League.
But on a personal level, the 27-year-old has proven his own doubters in Italy wrong, once more, and will report for World Cup duty in good form and confidence.
Adams secures European football
Injuries have meant Adams could not replicate quite those levels of influence in the Premier League with Bournemouth. But he signed off on a high in his team’s closing day 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest. The result was enough to secure Adams and his team-mates a sixth-place finish and deserved Europa League football next season.
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How USMNT players influenced the design of their World Cup jerseys
Henry Bushnell and Reuben Pinder
Adams used all his experience playing in his defensive-midfield role next to the 20-year-old Hungarian Alex Toth, making only his second start of the campaign. The American was a steadying influence and got about the pitch with plenty of energy. He had the most defensive contributions of any other player (17) according to Opta.
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Adams is another in the ‘golden-age’ 27-years-old-plus bracket who will come into the World Cup at a good moment.
Trusty wins domestic double
Moments can’t get much better for Auston Trusty in Glasgow either. After he helped Celtic to the Premiership title last weekend, he played his part again on Saturday as Martin O’Neill’s team lifted the Scottish Cup at Hampden Park.What You Should Read NextHearts, Celtic, Rangers. BedlamOver the last three weeks, The Athletic has covered the Split as Hearts sought to upend the accepted order and win the Scottish Premiership
Trusty started and played the entirety of a 3-1 win over Dunfermline to receive another medal and finish the campaign full of belief.
USMNT’s Mauricio Pochettino met with Milan over vacant head coach role
Pochettino’s contract with the U.S. expires after this summer’s World Cup Rich Storry / Getty Images
By James HorncastleMay 28, 2026 Updated 8:41 am EDT
U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino met with representatives from Italian club AC Milan over its vacant head coach position.
The meeting took place last week ahead of the USMNT’s World Cup camp in Georgia, sources have told The Athletic. Pochettino’s contract with the United States Soccer Federation (USSF), signed in 2024, expires after this summer’s World Cup on home soil.The 54-year-old had been identified as a potential successor to Massimiliano Allegri, who left the club earlier this week, while Andoni Iraola — the head coach who is a free agent after leaving Bournemouth — is a leading candidate.Milan are conducting a thorough search with a view to realising the ownership’s ambition to revive the club and make them not only a force again but one of the most compelling football projects in the world.They parted company with Allegri, along with sporting director Igli Tare, chief executive Giorgio Furlani and technical director Geoffrey Moncada, in a radical shake-up of the club’s executive leadership on Monday.The changes have come after Milan missed out on qualification for the Champions League for a second successive season, finishing fifth in Serie A — Italian football’s top division.In March, Pochettino hinted he was considering staying in his role at the USMNT beyond the World Cup. “We are open,” Pochettino said. “We don’t have a contract for the future but why not if we are happy and the federation is happy?”What You Should Read NextUSMNT 2026 World Cup squad roundtable: Debating Pochettino’s choices, USA’s chancesWho should start? How far can they go? Who should’ve been included that wasn’t? Our writers answer the pressing USMNT World Cup questions
Pochettino replaced Gregg Berhalter as USMNT head coach following the side’s Copa America group stage exit in the summer of 2024.The Argentine began his managerial career at Espanyol in Spain, where he spent nine years as a player across two spells, before moving to England with a 16-month spell in charge of Premier League side Southampton.Pochettino left to take over at Tottenham Hotspur, whom he established as a top-four club in England’s top flight and led to the Champions League final in 2019, before departing fewer than six months later.He went on to coach Paris Saint-Germain, winning three trophies including the 2021-22 Ligue 1 title. Pochettino was sacked at the end of that season and then spent the 2023-24 campaign in charge of Chelsea, before moving into international management with the U.S. in September 2024.A potential move to Milan would see Pochettino reunited with USMNT winger Christian Pulisic, whose international teammate Yunus Musah is also contracted to the club but spent this season on loan at Atalanta.
The Ole BallCoach 