Midfielder Tanner Tessmann won’t be joining the U.S. men’s national team for the 2026 World Cup. In a surprising turn of events, Alejandro Zendejas from Club América and Cristian Roldan of the Seattle Sounders have made the roster instead.
Tessmann’s exclusion is particularly surprising. At just 24, he had participated in six training camps with U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino and performed well during his season at Lyon. He started 22 out of 29 Ligue 1 games and played in several Europa League matches. Many expected him to be a key player, especially considering his capability to step in as a center back if needed. Unfortunately, he faced an injury that sidelined him before the World Cup.
Other notable players returning to the squad include Miles Robinson and Chris Richards, both of whom missed the last World Cup due to injury. Forward Ricardo Pepi, who was a close cut in 2022, is also back.
The complete roster was first shared by The Guardian and later confirmed by The Athletic. Players were informed on Friday, and it was also noted that Diego Luna had been left off the list due to a muscle issue.
The current roster features many familiar faces, with half the players having participated in the last World Cup in Qatar. This continuity could be beneficial, as the U.S. aims to improve on its previous performance.
Pochettino has chosen a strong lineup. Goalkeeper Matt Freese is likely to start, supported by Chris Brady from Chicago Fire. Veterans like Tim Ream and younger talents such as Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest bring a mix of experience and energy to the defense.
The midfield is a bit lighter without Tessmann. Roldan joins Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, and Sebastian Berhalter in a group ready to support the attack. The attacking lineup boasts stars like Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah, along with emerging talent like Malik Tillman and Zendejas, who had an impressive season in Liga MX.
Folarin Balogun leads the forwards, supported by Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright, all of whom had standout performances with their clubs this season.
Looking forward, the official announcement will take place on Tuesday at an event in Manhattan. The team will then head to Atlanta to prepare for two friendly matches: one against Senegal and another against Germany, before kicking off the World Cup against Paraguay on June 12.
The anticipation surrounding these matches highlights a growing excitement for U.S. soccer, especially among younger fans who are increasingly engaging with the sport on social media. As the squad finalizes their preparations, many are hopeful for a strong showing at the tournament.
For more details on the roster and updates, check out The Guardian.
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US Men's national team, Turkey, Australia, Paraguay, FIFA Men's World Cup, MLS, Soccer
