leaked USMNT – The U.S. men’s national team is set to announce its 26-player World Cup roster on Tuesday, May 26, but a full list has already circulated following a report from The Guardian. The leaked squad includes Gio Reyna and Alejandro Zendejas, while Tanner Tessmann an
The U.S. men’s national team was supposed to keep its World Cup decisions under wraps until Tuesday, May 26. Instead, a full 26-player roster has already been leaked, turning what should have been a clean reveal into a public test of every selection and omission.
On Saturday. March 23. The Guardian published the full list of players Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly set to include on his squad for the 2026 World Cup on home soil. Many names weren’t a surprise. Still. the inclusions and absences are certain to fuel debate—especially around who was trusted for central midfield and who lost their spot despite recent expectations.
Tanner Tessmann, who was expected to make the roster at central midfield, was not selected. The player has recently been dealing with a muscle injury, and it remains unclear whether that condition played a direct role in the decision.
Gio Reyna, meanwhile, was included on the team, confirming a previous report from The Athletic. Diego Luna is missing the cut. With Luna out, the leaked list leaves room for Club América winger Alejandro Zendejas, who hasn’t been with the team since September.
The midfield picture is especially tight in the leaked lineup: the team has only four recognized central midfielders. Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, MLS pair Cristian Roldan and Sebastian Berhalter comprise that group. Aidan Morris, a Middlesbrough midfielder, missed the cut. Another absence stands out for a different reason—Johnny Cardoso, who is injured, was also left out.
In central defense, Chris Richards is listed despite a recent ankle injury that seemed to put his status in doubt. His presence preserves continuity at the back, even as other midfield options were narrowed.
Goalkeepers on the leaked roster are Matt Freese, Chris Brady and Matt Turner.
Defenders listed are Max Arfsten, Sergiño Dest, Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson, Auston Trusty and Joe Scally.
Midfielders listed are Tyler Adams, Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan, Weston McKennie, Gio Reyna and Malik Tillman.
Forwards listed are Brenden Aaronson, Haji Wright, Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi, Tim Weah and Alejandro Zendejas.
The sequence of what’s there—and what’s missing—makes the roster feel less like a finished declaration and more like a snapshot of risk management. Central midfield is thin. Injuries and team availability appear to have mattered. And with the official announcement still set for Tuesday. May 26. the leaked list now creates a new kind of pressure: the public will be watching closely to see whether the final cut matches what has already hit the internet.
USMNT 2026 World Cup roster Mauricio Pochettino Tyler Adams Gio Reyna Diego Luna Alejandro Zendejas Tanner Tessmann Johnny Cardoso Chris Richards leaked roster