The 2026 FIFA World Cup is fast approaching and there’s some real positivity surrounding the U.S. men’s national team under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
While Pochettino’s first year in charge brought clashes with star players and disappointing performances in the Concacaf Nations League, Gold Cup and friendlies, the October window began to change things.
Results against Ecuador, Australia, Paraguay and Uruguay restored outside perception surrounding the host nation. Even more so when considering star players have been in and out of the team for myriads of reasons. Christian Pulisic, the USMNT’s most talented attacker, has played sparingly under the Argentine since the summer.
Still, Pochettino and his “C-team”—however much he might hate that term—dominated Uruguay 5–1 in their final match of the year.
With less than 200 days to go until the USMNT kick off their World Cup journey, predicts the 26 players that will make the roster.
Jump to:Rules of EngagementGoalkeepers: Top Spot Locked DownCenter Backs: Premier League Star Leads the WayWingbacks: Skill and Speed AplentyCentral Midfield: Battle for Positions Taking ShapeWingers: The Difference MakersStrikers: Balogun or BustUSMNT Projected 2026 World Cup Roster in Full
