The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As the tournament draws closer, projections and predictions about the final 26-man squad are intensifying. Recent performances, particularly in the 2025 Gold Cup, have significantly influenced these projections, with some players rising in prominence while others face uncertain futures.
Tillman and Luna's Ascent
Malik Tillman and Diego Luna have emerged as strong contenders for the 2026 World Cup squad, especially after their impressive showings in the 2025 Gold Cup. Tillman, who plays as a midfielder, has seemingly solidified his place and could even be in contention for a starting position. His performance this summer has moved him from the "probably" to the "definitely" category in terms of World Cup options. Luna, a 21-year-old midfielder, also had an "electric performance" in the Gold Cup, further cementing his chances. Even though Luna struggled in the Gold Cup final against Mexico, he is inching closer to lock territory.
Reyna's Diminished Prospects
In contrast, Gio Reyna's stock appears to have fallen. Reyna, who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Borussia Dortmund, has struggled to find consistent playing time at the club level. Despite being considered a "great player" by USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, Reyna's lack of minutes on the field has raised concerns. Reyna has made 12 of his 20 season appearances in 2025. A potential transfer offer from Serie A side Parma could provide him with a fresh start and more playing time, which is crucial for his World Cup aspirations.
Reyna's situation is further complicated by his limited role in recent USMNT matches. He was unused in the semifinals of the 2025 Nations League against Panama and played only 21 minutes off the bench in the third-place game against Canada. This lack of playing time, combined with Tillman and Luna's rise, has led to projections that Reyna might miss out on the 2026 World Cup squad.
Goalkeeping and Defense
The goalkeeping position seems relatively stable, with Matt Turner and Matt Freese likely to be included in the squad. However, the third goalkeeping spot remains open, with several young contenders vying for the opportunity to gain experience.
In defense, Antonee Robinson, Chris Richards, and Sergino Dest are considered "nailed-on" players. Miles Robinson is also a strong contender, although competition for the center-back positions remains fierce.
Midfield and Forwards
The midfield is shaping up with solid performances from Tillman, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie. However, Johnny Cardoso's recent lack of playing time has raised questions about his place in the squad.
Upfront, Christian Pulisic and Folarin Balogun are expected to lead the line, with Timothy Weah and Ricardo Pepi also likely to be included. Patrick Agyemang is another forward who has played his way into the mix.
Potential Starting XI
Predicting the starting XI is always a challenge, but based on current form and projections, a potential lineup could look like this:
Final Thoughts
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the USMNT is undergoing a period of evolution. The rise of players like Tillman and Luna, combined with the struggles of Reyna, highlights the dynamic nature of squad selection. While some spots appear to be secure, others remain up for grabs, making the upcoming months crucial for players to prove their worth and earn a place in the final 26-man squad.
