U.S. men's national soccer team coach Mauricio Pochettino selected a 26-player roster [1] for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The selection marks a critical turning point for the squad as the U.S. prepares to compete on home soil. The roster balance reflects Pochettino's specific tactical vision and his willingness to prioritize raw talent over consistent recent playing time.
Reports on May 23, 2026 [4], confirmed that midfielder Gio Reyna will be part of the squad. His inclusion comes despite a limited pre-World Cup season, during which he appeared in 19 league matches [2] in the Bundesliga and played a total of 520 minutes [3]. Pochettino said Reyna’s talent and potential contribution justified his spot on the team [7].
Conversely, Diego Luna was omitted from the final list. Pochettino said the decision to leave Luna out was based on tactical considerations [7]. The exclusion of Luna suggests a shift in the midfield dynamics as the team seeks a specific profile of player to complement the starting eleven.
While the roster details have surfaced through reporting, the team has not yet held its formal press event. The official announcement is scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, 2026 [5], in New York City [6].
The 26-man limit forces coaches to make difficult choices between emerging young talent and established veterans. By selecting Reyna, Pochettino is betting on the player's high ceiling to impact the tournament's knockout stages, a gamble that places significant pressure on Reyna to find form quickly.
“Pochettino selected a 26-player roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
The inclusion of Gio Reyna over Diego Luna signals that Pochettino is prioritizing technical quality and previous international experience over current match fitness. By selecting a player with limited minutes in the Bundesliga, the coach is signaling a high level of trust in Reyna's ability to integrate into the system quickly, while the omission of Luna indicates a preference for a specific tactical profile in the midfield for the tournament.
