Key Selections for the Upcoming World Cup

As the United States men’s national team prepares for the upcoming World Cup, the final roster is beginning to take shape. While the official announcement is scheduled for Tuesday, reports indicate that several key players have already received confirmation regarding their status for the tournament.

According to information provided by The Athletic, coaching staff led by Mauricio Pochettino have informed players of their decisions. Among those reportedly included in the squad are:

  • Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach, Midfielder)
  • Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps, Midfielder)
  • Brenden Aaronson (Leeds, Midfielder)
  • Mark McKenzie (Toulouse, Defender)
  • Matt Turner (New England Revolution, Goalkeeper)

Analysis of Squad Choices

The inclusion of Gio Reyna is particularly significant. Despite facing past injury challenges and external controversies, his positional versatility remains a valuable asset for a tournament-limited squad. Similarly, Sebastian Berhalter has secured a spot following his impressive growth and consistent performance under Pochettino since receiving his first call-up in 2025.

The selection of goalkeeper Matt Turner is also noteworthy. Having served as the primary option in 2022, Turner’s role had diminished recently, with New York City FC’s Matt Freese gaining ground. While Freese is expected to serve as the starting goalkeeper, Turner’s inclusion provides experienced depth that was previously considered uncertain.


Notable Absences and Future Prospects

The decision to exclude Real Salt Lake players Diego Luna and Zavier Gozo has surprised many observers. Luna, a 22-year-old midfielder, had been a frequent presence in recent camps, making his omission unexpected. Meanwhile, 19-year-old forward Zavier Gozo—a promising talent within the MLS youth pipeline—is viewed as a bright prospect for the future of the national team.


The Path to the Final Roster

It is important to note that the roster revealed this Tuesday is subject to change. FIFA regulations dictate that final squads must be submitted and locked in by June 1. Until that deadline, there remains a window of opportunity for players currently excluded to be brought back into the fold, especially if tactical needs shift or injuries occur. Following the June 1 cut-off, substitutions are strictly limited to cases of illness or injury.