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U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM HEAD COACH MAURICIO POCHETTINO NAMES 26-PLAYER ROSTER FOR FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 – by Zaven Aharonian

US SOCCER — Sun, 31 May 2026 18:17:00 +0000

U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM HEAD COACH MAURICIO POCHETTINO NAMES 26-PLAYER ROSTER FOR FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 – by Zaven Aharonian

USMNT Roster heads to Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Atlanta for Training; Final World Cup Preparations Begin with USA-Senegal in the Allstate Continental Clásico on May 31 in Charlotte; USMNT Will Face Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye in Group D Play from June 12-25

(May 26, 2026) – U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has selected the 26 players that will represent the United States at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will take place from June 11-July 19 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The USMNT roster reveal, presented by Allstate, was officially announced during an event in New York City that was broadcast live on FOX. The team is now headed to Atlanta to begin final preparations ahead of its two final matches before the World Cup begins.

The USA will host the Allstate Continental Clásico against African powerhouse Senegal on May 31, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. [TICKETS]. The United States will then host Germany in front of a sold-out crowd on June 6, in Chicago, Ill. in the Coca-Cola Send-Off Match.

With the eyes of the world set to focus on North America for the biggest sporting event in history, the USA will kick off its World Cup campaign in Group D against Paraguay on June 12, in Los Angeles (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT).

The second group-stage match will take place on June 19, in Seattle against Australia (3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT), and the USMNT will finish group play back in Los Angeles on June 25, against Türkiye (10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT).

All matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be shown live on FOX Sports and Telemundo broadcast networks.

“We are confident this is the best group of 26 players to help us achieve success at the World Cup,” Pochettino said. “These were very difficult decisions, and we are thankful to all the players who were part of this journey. This group is very focused and ready to give everything they have to represent the United States and deliver performances that will make the fans and the country proud.”

U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM – FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 ROSTER BY POSITION

(CLUB/COUNTRY; CAPS/GOALS; HOMETOWN)

GOALKEEPERS (3): Chris Brady (Chicago Fire; 0/0; Naperville, Ill.), Matt Freese (New York City FC; 14/0; Wayne, Pa.), Matt Turner (New England Revolution; 53/0; Park Ridge, N.J.)

DEFENDERS (10): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; 18/1; Fresno, Calif.), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 37/2; Almere, Netherlands), Alex Freeman (Villarreal/ESP; 15/2; Plantation, Fla.), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse/FRA; 27/0; Bear, Del.), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; 80/1; St. Louis, Mo.), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 36/3; Birmingham, Ala.), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 52/4; Liverpool, England), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati; 38/3; Arlington, Mass.), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 24/0; Lake Grove, N.Y.), Auston Trusty (Celtic/SCO; 6/0; Media, Pa.)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth/ENG; 52/2; Wappingers Falls, N.Y.), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps; 11/1; Columbus, Ohio), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 64/12; Little Elm, Texas), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 36/9; Bedford, N.Y.), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders; 45/0; Pico Rivera, Calif.), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen/GER; 28/3; Fürth, Germany)

FORWARDS (7): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United/ENG; 57/9; Medford, N.J.), Folarin Balogun (Monaco/FRA; 25/8; London, England), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 35/13; El Paso, Texas), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan/ITA; 84/32; Hershey, Pa.), Tim Weah (Olympique Marseille/FRA; 49/7; Rosedale, N.Y.), Haji Wright (Coventry City/ENG; 20/7; Los Angeles, Calif.). Alejandro Zendejas (Club América/MEX; 13/2; El Paso, Texas)

Note: The roster will not become official until it is submitted to FIFA. The deadline for all teams to submit their final squads is June 1. Once the U.S. list is submitted, injured players can be replaced on the roster until 24 hours before the USA’s opening match against Paraguay.

A BAKER’S DOZEN BACK ON THE BIG STAGE

Thirteen players – half the roster – were part of the U.S. squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, tying the U.S. mark for the highest number of returnees between consecutive World Cups, first set between the 1994 and 1998 editions. The veterans of the Qatar tournament include all three goalscorers: Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah and Haji Wright.

Eight players on the FIFA World Cup roster started all four matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup: Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Matt Turner and Weah.

The complete list of players to make consecutive World Cup rosters: Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Cristian Roldan, Joe Scally, Matt Turner, Tim Weah and Haji Wright.

STRIKE FORCE

The USMNT pool of strikers comes into the World Cup with a considerable goalscoring tally with their clubs, with the trio of Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright collectively scoring 56 goals across all competitions this season. Balogun (19 goals in 43 games) went on a nine-match scoring streak for Monaco in the latter half of the campaign. Pepi (19 goals in 34 games) led all scorers for PSV Eindhoven despite a mid-season injury that kept him out of nine matches, leading the club to its third-consecutive Dutch Eredivisie title. Haji Wright (18 goals in 43 games) helped lead Coventry City to first place in the League Championship and automatic promotion to the English Premier League.

CHAMPIONSHIP CREDENTIALS

This collection of USMNT players boasts significant winning pedigrees at both the domestic and international level. At the highest level of European competition, Christian Pulisic captured both the UEFA Champions League (2020-2021) and FIFA Club World Cup (2021) with Chelsea. Chris Richards and Malik Tillman were both part of Bayern Munich’s UEFA Super Cup (2020) victory. Internationally, Cristian Roldan headlines a list of 21 players that have contributed to lifting a trophy with the USMNT. The Seattle Sounders FC midfielder has been to four championships, including two Gold Cup victories in 2017 and 2021.

EUROPEAN TRAVELERS

Following the conclusion of Europe’s domestic season, nine USMNT players have qualified for European competitions. Sergiño Dest and Ricardo Pepi secured a place in the UEFA Champions League with PSV Eindhovenwhile Alex Freeman did so with Villareal. Auston Trusty earned a spot in the UEFA Champions League play-off round with Celtic. The quintet of Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen) and Tim Weah (Olympique Marseille) all helped their club earn places in the UEFA Europa League. Defender Chris Richards and Crystal Palace will compete in the UEFA Conference League Final on May 27 for a chance to secure a spot in the UEFA Europa League next season.

MLS TRIO MINDING THE NETS

For the first time since the inception of Major League Soccer in 1996, all three of the goalkeepers representing the U.S. at the World Cup ply their trade in the domestic league: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (NYCFC), Matt Turner (New England Revolution).

Freese joins Turner (2022) as just the second USMNT goalkeeper of the modern era to earn a World Cup spot after debuting for the National Team the previous year.

Freese played the final 12 matches of 2025 for the USMNT, earning a nomination for U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year. Meantime, Turner played all four matches in the 2022 World Cup and has backstopped the Revs to a 7-1-0 record in their last eight matches.

Chris Brady becomes the first uncapped player to make a USMNT World Cup roster since Juergen Sommer in 1994. At 22 years old, Brady is also the third youngest goalkeeper ever named to a USMNT World Cup roster, coming in behind 20-year-old Kasey Keller and 21-year-old Tony Meola on the 1990 squad. In total, 888 players have earned at least one cap for the USMNT since its inaugural match in 1916.

THE U.S. WAY

The U.S. Way has served the 2026 World Cup squad well. Fourteen of the 26 players were part of U.S. Soccer’s U-14 Boys Talent Identification Program and 23 of the 26 have played for a U.S. Youth National Team. In total, 12 players also represented the United States at a Youth World Cup: Tyler Adams (2015 U-17, 2017 U-20), Sergiño Dest (2017 U-17, 2019 U-20), Mark McKenzie (2019 U-20), Ricardo Pepi (2019 U-17), Christian Pulisic (2015 U-17), Gio Reyna (2019 U-17), Chris Richards (2019 U-20), Joe Scally (2019 U-17), Auston Trusty (2015 U-17, 2017 U-20), Tim Weah (2017 U-17, 2019 U-20), Haji Wright (2015 U-17), Alex Zendejas (2015 U-17).

NO STONE UNTURNED

Since taking over in September of 2024, Pochettino and the coaching staff have gone deep into the National Team player pool to identify and give opportunities to players seeking a coveted spot on the World Cup roster. In total, 61 players have earned a cap under Pochettino since October 2024. They came from 16 different leagues in 12 different countries. On the scoring front, 22 different players have contributed to the 42 goals scored under Pochettino, with Malik Tillman, Haji Wright and Folarin Balogun each tallying three goals during his tenure.

2026 USMNT WORLD CUP ROSTER – FAST FACTS

At the opening match against Paraguay on June 12, the 26-player roster will hold an average age of 26 years and 332 days, ranking the 2026 roster as the fifth youngest the United States has sent to a World Cup. The four youngest: 1990 (24 years, 25 days), 2022 (25 years, 216 days), 1930 (26 years, 226 days), 1994 (26 years, 285 days).
Thirteen players – half the roster – were part of the U.S. squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, tying the U.S. mark for the highest number of returnees between consecutive World Cups first set between the 1994 and 1998 editions. The 13 returnees take the total number of USMNT players selected for multiple World Cups to 56. They are: Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Cristian Roldan, Joe Scally, Matt Turner, Tim Weah and Haji Wright.
Thirteen players will go to their first FIFA World Cup: Max Arfsten, Folarin Balogun, Sebastian Berhalter, Chris Brady, Alex Freeman, Matt Freese, Mark McKenzie, Ricardo Pepi, Chris Richards, Miles Robinson, Malik Tillman, Auston Trusty and Alex Zendejas.
Since the inaugural edition of the tournament in 1930, only 133 USMNT players have played in a World Cup match, while 187 players have been selected for a World Cup roster.
Heading into the final two matches before the tournament, the roster has an average of 35 caps per player, which currently ranks it as the sixth most experienced USMNT squad heading into a World Cup. The 26 players have earned an aggregate of 505 caps, which stands as the third most of all USMNT World Cup squads behind the 2006 (537 caps) and 2002 (518 caps) rosters.
With 84 caps, Christian Pulisic is the most experienced player on the roster, followed by fellow 2022 World Cup veterans Tim Ream (80), Weston McKennie (64), Brenden Aaronson (57), Matt Turner (53), Tyler Adams (52), Antonee Robinson (52) and Tim Weah (49).
Players represent clubs in 10 different countries: USA/Canada – MLS (8), England (5), France (3), Germany (3), Italy (2), Netherlands (2), Mexico (1), Scotland (1) and Spain (1).
The players represent hometowns in 12 different states: New York (4), California (3), Pennsylvania (3), Texas (3), New Jersey (2), Alabama (1), Delaware (1), Florida (1), Illinois (1), Massachusetts (1), Missouri (1) and Ohio (1).
Four other players have hometowns in three different foreign countries: England (2), Germany (1) and Netherlands (1).
Thirteen players are dual nationals: Folarin Balogun, Sebastian Berhalter, Sergiño Dest, Christian Pulisic, Mark McKenzie, Ricardo Pepi, Gio Reyna, Antonee Robinson, Cristian Roldan, Malik Tillman, Matt Turner, Tim Weah and Alex Zendejas.
Seven players debuted for the United States during the 2026 World Cup cycle: Alex Zendejas (Jan. 25, 2023 vs. Serbia), Auston Trusty (March 24, 2023 vs. Grenada), Folarin Balogun (June 15, 2023 vs. Mexico), Max Arfsten (Jan. 18, 2025 vs. Venezuela), Alex Freeman and Matt Freese (June 7, 2025 vs. Türkiye) and Sebastian Berhalter (June 10, 2025 vs. Switzerland).
A total of 25 players on the roster earned caps in official competitions this cycle, with 12 players hitting double digits in that time.
With a goal and two assists at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Pulisic is one of only four USMNT players to collect three or more goal contributions in a single edition of the tournament, joining Bert Patenaude (4 goals – 1930), Brian McBride (2 goals, 1 assist – 2002) and Landon Donovan (3 goals – 2010).
Tim Weah and Haji Wright join Pulisic as the three players on the roster that have scored a World Cup goal. Last time out, Weah opened the scoring in the USA’s 1-1 draw with Wales, Pulisic provided the crucial game-winner in the 1-0 victory against IR Iran, and Wright scored in the 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands in the Round of 16.
Eight players started all four matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup: Tyler Adams, Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Matt Turner and Tim Weah.
Twenty-one players have contributed to at least one USMNT trophy-winning effort, led by veteran midfielder Cristian Roldan who has helped the side win four pieces of hardware since his debut in 2017. Now in his 12thseason with the Seattle Sounders, Roldan could become the first USMNT player to appear in a match in their current club stadium when the U.S. faces Australia on June 19 at Seattle Stadium.
Both from the Los Angeles area, Roldan and Haji Wright will also have the opportunity to appear in World Cup matches near their hometowns when the USA faces Paraguay on June 12, and Túrkiye on June 19, at SoFi Stadium.
Strikers Folarin Balogun (19 goals in 43 games with Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (19 goals in 34 games for PSV Eindhoven) and Haji Wright (18 goals in 43 games for Coventry City) tallied a collective 56 goals across all competitions for their clubs this season.
Tim Ream, who will be 38 years, 250 days on the day of the opener against Paraguay, is the second oldest player named to a USMNT World Cup roster, ranking behind only 1950 World Cup squad member Frank Moniz (38 years, 272 days). Should he appear in the tournament, Ream would become the oldest player to play for the USMNT at the FIFA World Cup. The late Fernando Clavijo is the oldest player to play for the USA at a World Cup, appearing at 37 years, 162 days in the Round of 16 match against Brazil on July 4, 1994.
Matt Freese, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Auston Trusty, Haji Wright and Alex Zendejas make six players born in 1998, marking the highest number of selections born in the same year on one World Cup roster.The previous high mark of five occurred three times: 1965 (1990), 1982 (2010), 2000 (2022).
Forward Alex Zendejas is the fifth Mexican-based player to make a USMNT World Cup roster and first since DaMarcus Beasley in 2014. Zendejas recorded 12 goals and seven assists across 33 matches for Club América this past season, including three goals in the recently concluded Liga MX Clausura playoffs.
Malik Tillman becomes the eighth German-born player to make a U.S. World Cup roster, joining Herman Rapp (1934), Mike Windischmann (1990), Thomas Dooley (1994, 1998), John Brooks, Timmy Chandler, Fabian Johnson and Jermaine Jones (all 2014).
Center back Mark McKenzie is the first player from Delaware named to a USMNT World Cup roster. In total, 27 different states have been represented on a USMNT World Cup roster dating back to 1930.
Fellow center back Chris Richards is the second player from Alabama selected for a U.S. World Cup roster, joining 2014 alum Aron Johannsson.
Sebastian Berhalter follows in the footsteps of his father Gregg (2002, 2006) in earning a World Cup roster spot. The Berhalters become the second father-son duo to make a World Cup roster, following Claudio Reyna (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006) and Gio Reyna (2022, 2026). Berhalter is also the second Canadian-based player to make a U.S. World Cup squad, following Michael Bradley in 2014.
Matt Freese joins teammate Matt Turner (2022) as just the second USMNT goalkeeper of the modern era to earn a World Cup spot after debuting for the team the previous year.
Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady is the second uncapped player of the modern era to make a USMNT World Cup roster, following fellow goalkeeper Juergen Sommer in 1994. Brady is also the third youngest goalkeeper named to a USMNT World Cup roster, behind only Kasey Keller (20) and Tony Meola (21) when they were both selected for the 1990 squad.
Gio Reyna and Folarin Balogun provided the goals in the USA’s last meeting with Paraguay, a 2-1 win on Nov. 15, 2025, in Chester, Pa.
Haji Wright tallied both goals off assists from Cristian Roldan in the USA’s 2-1 win against Australia on Oct. 14, 2025, in Commerce City, Colo.
Nine players from the U.S. roster appeared in the USA’s 2-1 defeat to Türkiye in the last meeting between the two sides on June 7, 2025, in East Hartford, Conn. Malik Tillman also provided the assist in the match.
Twelve players have represented the United States at a Youth World Cup: Tyler Adams (2015 U-17, 2017 U-20), Sergiño Dest (2017 U-17, 2019 U-20), Mark McKenzie (2019 U-20), Ricardo Pepi (2019 U-17), Christian Pulisic (2015 U-17), Gio Reyna (2019 U-17), Chris Richards (2019 U-20), Joe Scally (2019 U-17), Auston Trusty (2015 U-17, 2017 U-20), Tim Weah (2017 U-17, 2019 U-20), Haji Wright (2015 U-17), Alex Zendejas (2015 U-17)
Twenty-one players on the roster were part of either an MLS first team or Academy, with 15 players having previously played in Major League Soccer.

(May 26, 2026) – USMNT 2026 World Cup roster – by Zaven Aharonian

US SOCCER — Sun, 31 May 2026 18:08:37 +0000

(May 26, 2026) – USMNT 2026 World Cup roster – by Zaven Aharonian

(First-time World Cup selections indicated with an asterisk, caps and goals listed in parentheses)

Goalkeepers (3): Chris Brady* (Chicago Fire, 0 caps/0 goals), Matt Freese* (New York City, 14/0), Matt Turner (New England Revolution, 53/0)

Defenders (10): Max Arfsten* (Columbus Crew, 18/1), Sergiño Dest (PSV, 37/2), Alex Freeman* (Villarreal, 15/2), Mark McKenzie* (Toulouse, 27/0), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC, 80/1), Chris Richards* (Crystal Palace, 36/3), Antonee Robinson (Fulham, 52/4), Miles Robinson* (FC Cincinnati, 38/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach, 24/0), Auston Trusty* (Celtic, 6/0)

Midfielders (4): Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth, 52/2), Sebastian Berhalter* (Vancouver Whitecaps, 11/1), Weston McKennie (Juventus, 64/12), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders, 45/0)

Attacking midfielders/wingers (6): Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United, 57/9), Christian Pulisic (Milan, 84/32), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach, 36/9), Malik Tillman* (Bayer Leverkusen, 28/3), Tim Weah (Marseille, 49/7), Alejandro Zendejas* (Club América, 13/2)

Strikers (3): Folarin Balogun* (AS Monaco, 25/8), Ricardo Pepi* (PSV, 35/13), Haji Wright (Coventry City, 20/7)

Notable Inclusions & Omissions

Gio Reyna, Sebastian Berhalter are included
Diego Luna is omitted despite strong form

The roster confirms Zendejas’s selection and Lyon defensive midfielder Tanner Tessmann’s omission, along with the inclusion of Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Gio Reyna and the omission of Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna, both attacking midfielders, choices that were first reported by the Athletic. It’s not immediately clear whether Tessman’s exclusion is injury-related.

Sebastian Berhalter, the son of the former USMNT coach, is also on the roster. The 25-year-old never represented the US at the youth international levels, but forced his way into Pochettino’s plans on the back of his considerable development since joining the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2022.

There are four central or defensive midfielders on Pochettino’s squad, with Weston McKennie joining Berhalter, Cristian Roldan and Tyler Adams.

10 defenders are selected for 4 or 5 starting spots.
Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady joins Matt Freese and Matt Turner on the roster. Brady, 22, is among the most in-form keepers in MLS and has been called into national team camp several times but never capped. Brady is the presumed No 3 behind Freese and Turner.

In total, 13 members of Pochettino’s squad have made their second World Cup roster, with the other half is comprised of first-time selections. This brings a healthy balance of youth and experience that should bring out the best of US National Team guided by experienced Argentine Mauricio Pochettino. Historically US team performed at maximum of their ability at the World Cups qualifying for knock out stages. Let’s hope that despite all odds and mixed results of the recent months US team will bring a lot of pride to their supporters playing this time on a home soil.

(May 22, 2026) – England 2026 World Cup squad announced – Zaven Aharonian

US SOCCER — Sun, 31 May 2026 18:03:50 +0000

(May 22, 2026) – England 2026 World Cup squad announced – Zaven Aharonian

Thomas Tuchel named England’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making several ruthless high-profile omissions. The focus of his selection is building a cohesive team unit rather than just assembling individual talent, featuring a mix of established core players and nine uncapped tournament debutants.

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, James Trafford

Defenders: Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Dan Burn, Nico O’Reilly, Djed Spence, Tino Livramento

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson, Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze

Forwards: Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke

High-Profile Omissions

Tuchel made several massive, eye-catching calls by dropping star players who were previously deemed automatic starters:

Phil Foden & Cole Palmer: Both suffered lackluster campaigns in the buildup to the tournament and were left out to maintain tactical clarity and harmony in Tuchel’s setup.

Trent Alexander-Arnold: The Real Madrid right-back was overlooked in favor of players like Reece James and Tino Livramento.

Harry Maguire & Luke Shaw: The Manchester United defensive duo failed to make the cut, with Jarell Quansah and Lewis Hall selected instead. Maguire family was furious and did not hold back expressing their disappointment in social media.
Notable Inclusions & Recalls

To achieve balance and a clear squad hierarchy, Tuchel brought back a veteran presence and rewarded in-form talents:

Ivan Toney: The Al-Ahli striker earned a shock recall, after scoring 42 goals in Saudi League and specifically chosen as an impact substitute and backup option to Harry Kane.

Ollie Watkins & John Stones: Both earned spots, with Stones providing crucial defensive stability and experience, despite having less playing time this season because of injuries.
Ollie Watkins earned his recall with his excellent performances towards the end of the season. He ended season on a high by scoring double in Aston Villa victory against Manchester City with Pep Guardiola last game in charge and his contributing at club’s European Cup victory last week.

Tournament Debuts: Nine players will experience their first major senior tournament, including Nico O’Reilly, Elliot Anderson, Djed Spence, James Trafford, and Noni Madueke.

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Jamaica and Suriname are seeking to follow in the footsteps of Trinidad and Tobago, Mexico and Costa Rica as World Cup play-off winners. – by Zaven Aharonian

US SOCCER — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:08:51 +0000

Concacaf teams have advanced to the FIFA World Cup via the play-offs three times
Costa Rica were last to do it when they edged New Zealand to reach Qatar 2022
Jamaica and Suriname hope to become the latest sides to achieve that feat

The battle for the final spots in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ takes place in late March, with two places to be determined in the FIFA Play-off Tournament. Concacaf sides Jamaica and Suriname will attempt to give the region eight teams in this year’s global showpiece, joining co-hosts Canada, Mexico and USA, along with qualifiers Curaçao Haiti and Panama.

Jamaica must first get past New Caledonia before a winner-takes-all affair with Congo DR, while a Suriname victory against Bolivia would set up a showdown against Iraq. History suggests that both the Reggae Boyz and A Natio can feel optimistic about their chances.

In six previous intercontinental play-offs involving a Concacaf team, three times they have emerged victorious. FIFA takes a look back at who punched their ticket and who came up just short.

USMNT DRAWS PARAGUAY, AUSTRALIA AND EITHER KOSOVO, ROMANIA, SLOVAKIA OR TÜRKIYE IN GROUP D AT THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP

US SOCCER — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 02:47:45 +0000

USA Opens Against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles, Faces Australia in Second Match on June 19 in Seattle and Closes Group Stage with Winner of UEFA Playoff C on June 25 in Los Angeles;

FIFA Will Announce Match Times and Full Schedule Saturday at Noon ET

ATLANTA (December 5, 2025) – The U.S. Men’s National Team was drawn into Group D along with Paraguay, Australia and the winner of UEFA Playoff C — either Kosovo, Romania, Slovakia or Türkiye — at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Draw held today in Washington, D.C.

Appearing in its 12th World Cup and second time as a host nation, the USMNT opens group play against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles, Calif. The second group stage match will take place on June 19 in Seattle against Australia and the USA will finish back in Los Angeles on June 25 against the UEFA Playoff C winner. The full tournament schedule, which includes venues and kickoff times, will be confirmed by FIFA Saturday at noon ET.

All 2026 FIFA World Cup matches will be shown live on FOX Sports and Telemundo broadcast networks.

2026 FIFA World Cup Groups:

Group A: Mexico, South Africa, Korea Republic, UEFA Playoff D (Denmark, North Macedonia, Czechia, Republic of Ireland)

Group B: Canada, UEFA Playoff A (Wales, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Italy, Northern Ireland), Qatar, Switzerland

Group C: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland

Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, UEFA Playoff C (Slovakia, Kosovo, Türkiye, Romania)

Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador

Group F: Netherlands, Japan, UEFA Playoff B (Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, Albania), Tunisia

Group G: Belgium, Egypt, IR Iran, New Zealand

Group H: Spain, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group I: France, Senegal, FIFA Playoff 2 (Bolivia, Suriname, Iraq), Norway

Group J: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan

Group K: Portugal, FIFA Playoff 1 (New Caledonia, Jamaica, DR Congo), Uzbekistan, Colombia

Group L: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama

USA’s Group D Schedule at 2026 FIFA World Cup (all times TBD):

Match 1: USA vs. Paraguay (June 12 at Los Angeles Stadium; Inglewood, Calif.)

Match 2: Australia vs. USA (June 19 at Seattle Stadium; Seattle, Wash.)

Match 3: USA vs. Winner of UEFA Playoff C (June 25 at Los Angeles Stadium; Inglewood, Calif.)
USA’s Potential Round of 32 Path:

Should the USA finish top of Group D, it will face a third-place team from either Group B, Group F, Group I, or Group J.
Should the USA finish second in Group D, it would face the second-place team from Group G.
Should the USA finish third in Group D and be among the top eight third-place finishers, the USMNT would face the winner from either Group E, Group I or Group K.

Utilizing a significant player pool, a total of 56 players earned at least one cap in 2025 under head coach Mauricio Pochettino. By bringing larger camps and rotating more players through key match windows, Pochettino has prioritized building a roster capable of playing multiple styles, adjusting to diverse opponents, and sustaining peak performance over the length of a home World Cup. The approach reflects a long-term plan to maximize depth, sharpen internal competition, and raise the overall ceiling of the program ahead of 2026.

The USA is gearing up for its ninth FIFA World Cup since 1990 and 12th overall appearance in the tournament. The USMNT heads into 2026 unbeaten in its last five matches, with four victories against teams that were already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

USA’s All-Time Record against Group D Opponents and Potential Opponents:

Paraguay: 5-2-2 (12 GF, 7 GA)

Australia: 2-1-1 (5 GF, 3 GA)

Kosovo: 0-0-0 (0 GF, 0 GA)

Romania: 1-2-1 (4 GF, 4 GA)

Slovakia: 0-1-0 (0 GF, 1 GA)

Türkiye: 2-2-1 (7 GF, 7 GA)

Group D Opponent and Potential Opponent Profiles:

Country: Australia

Current FIFA World Ranking: 26
FIFA Trigram: AUS

Language: English

Championship Honors: AFC Asian Cup (2015); OFC Nations Cup (1980, 1996, 2000, 2004)

USMNT Record vs. Australia: 2-1-1 (5 GF, 3 GA)

World Cup Finals Appearances: 7 – 1974, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026

World Cup Record: 4-12-4 (17 GF, 37 GA)

Best World Cup Finish: Round of 16, 2022

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Finished 2nd in AFC Third Round Group C (5-1-4; 16 GF, 7 GA); Finished 1^stin AFC Second Round Group I (6-0-0; 22 GF, 0 GA)

Date Qualified: June 10, 2025

Leading World Cup Qualifying Scorer: Kusini Yengi (6)

Head Coach: Tony Popovic (Australia)

Key Players: Mathew Ryan (Levante UD/ESP), Aiden O’Neill (New York City FC/USA), Nestory Irankunda (Watford/ENG), Kusini Yengi (Aberdeen FC/SCO), Patrick Yazbek (Nashville SC/USA)

Fast Facts: Australia has qualified for six consecutive World Cup tournaments dating back to 2006 … The most recent meeting between the U.S. and Australia was a friendly on November 10, 2025, in Commerce City, Colo. where the U.S. won 2-1 … The U.S. and Australia have never faced each other in a World Cup … Head Coach Tony Popovic will become the first Australian to play and manage the team at the World Cup … Australia’s all-time top goalscorer, Tim Cahill (50 goals), played two-and-a-half seasons with New York Red Bulls of MLS … Current Australia midfielder Aiden O’Neill plays for MLS club New York City FC where he is a teammate of U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese … Midfielder Patrick Yazbek also plays in MLS for Eastern Conference side Nashville SC … On January 1, 2006, Australia officially became a member of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) after 40 years in the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC).

Country: Paraguay

Current FIFA World Ranking: 39
FIFA Trigram: PAR

Language: Guarani, Spanish

Championship Honors: Copa America (1952/53, 1979)

USMNT Record vs. Paraguay: 5-2-2 (12 GF, 7 GA)

World Cup Finals Appearances: 9 – 1930, 1950, 1958, 1986, 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2026

World Cup Record: 7-10-10 (30 GF, 38 GA)

Best World Cup Finish: Quarterfinals, 2010

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Finished 6th in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying (7-4-7; 14 GF, 10 GA)

Date Qualified: September 4, 2025

Leading World Cup Qualifying Scorer: Tony Sanabria (4)

Head Coach: Gustavo Alfaro (Argentina)

Key Players: Miguel Almiron (Atlanta United/USA), Julio Enciso (RC Strasbourg/FRA), Diego Gomez (Brighton and Hove Albion/ENG), Braian Ojeda (Real Salt Lake/USA), Omar Alderete (Sunderland/ENG)

Fast Facts: Paraguay returns to the World Cup for the first time in 16 years, making its ninth appearance … The last meeting between the U.S. and Paraguay came on November 15, 2025, an international friendly in Chester, Pa. with the USA winning, 2-1 … The teams first met at the inaugural 1930 World Cup, a 3-0 victory for the U.S. with American Bert Patenaude scoring the first-ever World Cup hat trick… En route to qualification Paraguay defeated CONMEBOL giants Brazil 1-0 and Argentina 2-1 … Midfielder Miguel Almiron plays for MLS club Atlanta United where he was teammates with the recently retired former U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan … In 2010, Paraguay recorded its best finish making it to the quarterfinals against eventual World Cup champion Spain … Alongside the United States, Paraguay was one of 13 teams to participate in the inaugural 1930 World Cup … Former forward Roque Santa Cruz is Paraguay’s all-time leading goal scorer with 32 goals.

POTENTIAL GROUP D OPPONENTS PENDING UEFA/FIFA PLAYOFF ON MARCH 26 AND 31:

Country: Slovakia

Current FIFA World Ranking: 45
FIFA Trigram: SVK

Language: Slovak

Championship Honors: None

USMNT Record vs. Slovakia: 0-1-0 (0 GF, 1 GA)

USMNT Record vs. Czechoslovakia*: 0-1-0 (1 GF, 5 GA)
*Both Slovakia and Czechia are considered successors to Czechoslovakia

World Cup Finals Appearances: 9 – 1934, 1938, 1954, 1958, 1962, 1970, 1982, 1990 (as Czechoslovakia) 2010 (as Slovakia)

World Cup Record: 12-16-6 (49 GF, 52 GA)

Best World Cup Finish: Runner-up, 1962

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Finished 2nd in UEFA Group A (4-2-0; 6 GF, 8 GA); Will compete in European Playoff C vs. Kosovo with the winner to play the winner of Türkiye vs. Romania

Date Qualified: TBD; UEFA Playoff C

Leading World Cup Qualifying Scorer: Six players tied with one goal

Head Coach: Francesco Calzona (Italy)

Key Players: Milan Skriniar (Fenerbahce/TUR), Stanislav Lobotka (Napoli/ITA), David Hancko (Atletico Madrid/ESP), David Strelec (Middlesbrough/ENG), Tomas Suslov (Hellas Verona/ITA), Martin Dubravka (Burnley/ENG)

Fast Facts: With two games left to play in European Playoff C, Slovakia hopes to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010 … The first and only meeting between the U.S. and Slovakia was an international friendly on November 14, 2009, in Bratislava, Slovakia … Slovakia won 1-0 … Marek Hamsik is Slovakia’s all-time top scorers with 26 goals … Defender David Hancko is currently teammates with U.S. midfielder Johnny Cardoso at Spanish club Atletico Madrid … Forward David Strelec is currently teammates with U.S. midfielder Aidan Morris at English club Middlesbrough …The USA and Czechoslovakia met in the opening match of the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy, a 5-1 win for Czechoslovakia.

Country: Kosovo

Current FIFA World Ranking: 80
FIFA Trigram: KOS

Language: Albanian, Serbian

Championship Honors: None

USMNT Record vs. Kosovo: 0-0-0 (0 GF, 0 GA)

World Cup Finals Appearances: None

World Cup Record: 0-0-0 (0 GF, 0 GA)

Best World Cup Finish: None

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Finished 2nd in UEFA Group B (3-1-2; 6 GF, 5 GA); Will compete in European Playoff C vs. Slovakia with the winner to play the winner of Türkiye vs. Romania

Date Qualified: TBD; UEFA Playoff C

Leading World Cup Qualifying Scorer: Fisnik Asllani (2)

Head Coach: Franco Foda (Germany)

Key Players: Edon Zhegrova (Juventus/ITA), Vedat Muriqi (RCD Mallorca/ESP), Amir Rrahmani (Napoli/ITA), Fisnik Asllani (TSG Hoffenheim/GER), Arijanet Muric (Sassuolo/ITA), Milot Rashica (Besiktas/TUR)

Fast Facts: With two games left to play in European Playoff C, Kosovo hopes to appear to the World Cup for the first time ever … The U.S and Kosovo have never faced each other … Kosovo is led by Vedat Muriqi, who is the country’s all-time leading scorer with 32 goals … Forward Edon Zhegrova is currently teammates with U.S. midfielder Weston McKennie at Italian club Juventus.

Country: Türkiye

Current FIFA World Ranking: 25
FIFA Trigram: TUR

Language: Turkish

Championship Honors: None

USMNT Record vs. Türkiye: 2-2-1 (7 GF, 7 GA)

World Cup Finals Appearances: 2 – 1954, 2002

World Cup Record: 5-4-1 (20 GF, 17 GA)

Best World Cup Finish: Third Place, 2002

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Finished 2nd in UEFA Group E (4-1-1; 4 GF, 12 GA); Will compete in European Playoff C vs. Romania with the winner to play the winner of Slovakia vs. Kosovo

Date Qualified: TBD; UEFA Playoff C

Leading World Cup Qualifying Scorer: Kenan Yildiz (3)

Head Coach: Vicenzo Montella (Italy)

Key Players: Hakan Calhanoglu (Inter Milan/ITA), Kenan Yildiz (Juventus/ITA), Arda Guler (Real Madrid/ESP), Orkun Kokcu (Besiktas/TUR), Can Uzun (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER)

Fast Facts: With two games left to play in European Playoff C, Türkiye hopes to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2002 … Last meeting between the U.S. and Türkiye was an international friendly on June 7, 2025, in East Hartford, Conn. … Türkiye won 2-1 … Türkiye was led in qualifying by forward Kenan Yildiz, who scored three goals … Yildiz is the club teammate of U.S. midfielder Weston McKennie at Italian club Juventus … Türkiye’s best finish came in the 2002 World Cup, losing to Brazil in the semifinals before defeating hosts Korea Republic in the third-place match … Türkiye are led by head coach Vicenzo Montella, who guided the country to qualification for the 2024 UEFA European Championship … Hakan Şükür is Türkiye’s all-time leading scorer with 51 goals … Şükür is known for scoring the fastest goal in World Cup history, scoring in just 11 seconds against South Korea in 2002.

Country: Romania

Current FIFA World Ranking: 47
FIFA Trigram: ROU

Language: Romanian

Championship Honors: None

USMNT Record vs. Romania: 1-2-1 (4 GF, 4 GA)

World Cup Finals Appearances: 7 – 1930, 1934, 1938, 1970, 1990, 1994, 1998

World Cup Record: 8-8-5 (30 GF, 32 GA)

Best World Cup Finish: Quarterfinals, 1994

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Finished 2nd in UEFA Group H (4-3-1; 19 GF, 10 GA); To compete in European Playoff C vs. Türkiye with the winner to play the winner of Slovakia vs. Kosovo

Date Qualified: TBD; UEFA Playoff C

Leading World Cup Qualifying Scorer: Dennis Man, Ianis Hagi (2)

Head Coach: Mircea Lucescu (Romania)

Key Players: Ianis Hagi (Alanyaspor/TUR), Dennis Man (PSV Eindhoven/NED), Andrei Ratiu (Rayo Vallecano/ESP), Ionut Radu (Celta Vigo/ESP), Marius Marin (Pisa/ITA), Darius Olaru (FCSB/ROU)

Fast Facts: With two games left to play in European Playoff C, Romania hopes to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998 … Last meeting between the U.S. and Romania was in the Group Stage of the 1994 World Cup on June 26, 1994, in Pasadena, Calif. … Romania won 1-0 … Romania’s highest FIFA ranking came in 1997 when they reached third … Romania’s best finish at the World Cup came in 1994 when they reached the quarterfinals … Romania are led by head coach Mircea Lucescu, who is in his second spell with the national team at 80 years old … Gheorghe Hagi and Adrian Mutu are Romania’s joint all-time top scorers with 35 goals each … Forward Dennis Man is currently teammates with U.S. forward Ricardo Pepi at Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.

FIFA World Cup 26 ticketing programme launches in Septembe

Gerard Robbins — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 09:06:24 +0000

FIFA World Cup 26 ticketing programme launches in September
by Gerard Robbins

Be there when it happens
FIFA has announced that the application period for the first ticket draw for the FIFA World Cup 26™ will open on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.
Tickets will be released in phases, with the first draw application window opening on Wednesday, 10 September 2025.

Fans should visit FIFA.com/tickets today to register their interest and create a FIFA ID

The tournament kicks off in less than one year in Mexico City on 11 June

World Cup Final will take place in New York New Jersey on 19 July

FIFA has announced that the application period for the first ticket draw for the FIFA World Cup 26™ will open on Wednesday, 10 September 2025. Fans are encouraged to visit FIFA.com/tickets today to register their interest and create a FIFA ID.

“Following the incredible success of the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, excitement is reaching new heights for the FIFA World Cup 26,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “We’re looking forward to welcoming the world back to North America, as Canada, Mexico and the United States host what will be the biggest and greatest sporting event ever. We encourage fans everywhere to get ready to secure their place – these will be the most coveted seats in world sport.”
The 2026 game-changing tournament kicks off on Thursday, 11 June 2026, in Mexico City, with the final taking place on Sunday, 19 July 2026, in New York New Jersey – which successfully hosted the FIFA Club World Cup™ final last Sunday. FIFA’s new flagship club competition united 32 of the world’s best club sides and attracted close to 2.5 million fans to 11 cities across the United States, setting the stage for what’s to come in 2026.

Goals and glory on the global stage
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 made history on and off the pitch.
With 6.5 million fans expected to attend, the 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup™ will be the biggest FIFA World Cup yet, consisting of 48 teams and 104 matches across the three host countries. Fans should start planning now in order to be there when it happens – to witness greatness and be part of this historic tournament and its enthralling in-stadium experience.

Due to anticipated high demand, FIFA World Cup tickets are released in phases. Fans should visit FIFA.com/tickets to register their interest, if they have not done so already. When registering, fans who do not have a FIFA ID will need to create one. This registration of interest ensures they are made aware of ticketing dates, next steps and processes. On 10 September, fans will then be able to use their FIFA ID to apply for their first chance to buy tickets.

Spectacular scenes from the World Cup’s Host Cities
Enjoy the very best of what the 16 Host Cities throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States have to offer ahead of FIFA World Cup 26™ with our immersive preview video.
There will be several distinct ticket sales phases from the start of sales on 10 September 2025, through to the final match on Sunday, 19 July 2026. Each phase may differ in purchasing processes, payment methods and ticket products, and full details on each phase will be released in the coming months. The Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 26™ is set to take place in December, with teams assigned to specific match schedule fixtures, including venues and kick-off times, shortly thereafter.

Fans can already purchase hospitality packages, inclusive of match tickets, at FIFA.com/hospitality. For fans interested in a specific team, the Follow My Team hospitality packages allow fans to see their team in action at group stage and round of 32 matches, should their team qualify.

FIFA encourages fans to purchase tickets only through FIFA.com/tickets, the official and preferred source of tickets for the FIFA World Cup. Hospitality packages and tickets sourced from unofficial sales channels may not be valid. A match ticket does not guarantee admission to a host country, and fans should visit each host country’s government websites today for entry requirements. Visa, a world leader in digital payments, is FIFA’s Official Payment Technology Partner and the preferred way to pay for tickets and hospitality packages.

$ave money on our recommended places to stay during FIFA World Cup 2026

Gerard Robbins — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 09:49:04 +0000

La Cancha will soon publish our recommended list of hotel where international guests and others can save money while attending the world’s greatest sporting event. Just email us at lacancha@yahoo.com to get on our advisement list.

FutbolHotels.com COMING SOON! (For Spanish Speaking Countries)

WorldCupHotels.org COMING SOON! For English Speaking Countries)

Chelsea overcame Palmeiras 2-1 at Lincoln Financial Field to book a FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense.

Gerard Robbins — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 09:41:35 +0000

Chelsea overcame Palmeiras 2-1 at Lincoln Financial Field to book a FIFA Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense.

Palmeiras 1-2 Chelsea

Palmeiras goal: Estevao (53) Chelsea goals: Cole Palmer (16), Weverton OG (83) A late Weverton own-goal saw Chelsea eke out victory over Palmeiras in their FIFA Club World Cup™ quarter-final at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Enzo Maresca’s side will now take on Fluminense FC at MetLife Stadium in New York New Jersey on Tuesday. Chelsea took a lead in at half-time thanks to Cole Palmer, who conned his way inside two opponents and stroked the ball into the bottom corner. Palmeiras responded in second-half infancy, Estevao thumping the ball in off the crossbar from the tightest of angles. The Blues found a fortuitous winner when Malo Gusto’s cross-shot was deflected by Agustin and went in off Weverton’s arm.

Olise leads pack in Top Goal Scorer race

Gerard Robbins — Sat, 28 Jun 2025 21:14:55 +0000

Published
28 Jun 2025

Bayern München man remains out in front with three goals and two assists, alongside four other three-goal players.

FIFA

Michael Olise is ahead of FC Bayern München team-mate Jamal Musiala, Juventus FC youngster Kenan Yildiz and SL Benfica veteran Angel Di Maria in the race to be named Top Goal Scorer presented by Bank of America at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.

The winger’s winning goal in Bayern’s qualification-securing 2-1 win over CA Boca Juniors took him on to three for the tournament and, due to the two assists he chalked up in the Bavarians’ 10-0 demolition of Auckland City, Olise holds the advantage over Yildiz, Musiala, and Di Maria.

The latter converted two penalties in Benfica’s 6-0 win against Auckland City to add to the spot-kick he struck against Boca Juniors in their opening match. It was not such a positive day at the office for Musiala, however, with the young Bayern star forced off the field against Boca with an injury that could threaten his future involvement.

Yildiz, who was on target in Juventus’ opening 5-0 cruise against Al Ain FC, scored two further goals as the Italian giants marched on to the Round of 16 with an equally impressive 4-1 triumph over Wydad AC.

Al Ahly FC forward Wessam Abou Ali has joined the leading group on three goals following his hat-trick in the thrilling 4-4 draw with FC Porto, but with the Egyptian giants now eliminated he will be unable to add to his tally.