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In exactly one week's time, the U.S. men's national team will unveil its final 26-man roster charged with delivering the nation to World Cup glory on home turf this summer.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino will officially announce his 2026 World Cup squad live in New York City at Pier 17 on May 26 before a large crowd, marking the first event of its kind for the United States. As decision day rapidly approaches, the Argentine tactician is undoubtedly scrutinizing his pool of candidates from every possible angle—sketching out starting lineups, crossing off names, placing question marks beside others, and tinkering with formations.
Despite the grueling hours Pochettino has spent poring over his notepad, a handful of standout players do simplify his task, as they are virtually guaranteed spots in the squad, assuming they stay fit.
Here, Sports Illustrated examines five USMNT "locks" who are all but certain to hear Pochettino call their names next week.
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Matt Freese
MLS standout goalkeeper Matt Freese is the frontrunner to start in goal for the Stars and Stripes this summer, and if not, he will almost certainly serve as the backup behind veteran and 2022 World Cup starter Matt Turner.
Freese, 27, who plays for New York City FC, wrested the starting position away from New England Revolution's Turner after the latter delivered underwhelming performances against Mexico and Canada in the 2025 Concacaf Nations League. Freese started every match from that point on and impressed during the run to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup final, where the U.S. ultimately fell to Mexico 2–1.
The 31-year-old Turner did reclaim his first USMNT start since Nations League action during the March international window, appearing in the U.S.'s 5–2 defeat to Belgium, though his lackluster display opened the door for Freese to reclaim the starting spot in the second March friendly, a 2–0 loss to Portugal. Pochettino's decision to deploy Freese against the tougher opponent signals that the younger keeper is likely his preferred starter.
Freese will be making his World Cup debut, having only broken into the senior squad last June and accumulating eight wins across his 14 caps to date. His rise has been rapid and unexpected, particularly given that he graduated from Harvard University, where he balanced soccer with a degree in economics.
Chris Richards
The Crystal Palace center back is the anchor and cornerstone of the U.S. defensive line. He made his senior debut back in 2020 and has since earned 36 caps.
The 26-year-old is renowned for his composure in possession, his aerial dominance, and his ability to adapt across Pochettino's various backline configurations. He was absent from the 2022 World Cup squad due to injury, but proved pivotal in the USMNT's Concacaf Nations League triumph the following year, breaking the deadlock in the 2–0 title victory over Canada with a superb header from a corner kick.
He also excelled at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, netting two more goals from set pieces, including a header in the final against Mexico. He was named 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year this past January, largely on the strength of his Gold Cup performances.
In the Premier League, he has been a reliable presence for Crystal Palace, starting 31 matches this season. He has been instrumental in their run to the Conference League final, where he is expected to feature prominently next Wednesday, provided the ankle issue he picked up over the weekend proves minor.
Falorin Balogun
Given the pace at which Folarin Balogun is currently finding the net, the Monaco striker is poised to make a major impact this summer.
While the 24-year-old has at times struggled to produce consistently for the Stars and Stripes, he has more than compensated recently, registering 11 goals in his last 14 appearances across all competitions for his club, an outstanding run of form stretching back to mid-February.
Competition for the USMNT's starting striker role has heated up this spring, with Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright also finding the net with regularity; however, neither has matched Balogun's clinical efficiency.
The forward made his U.S. debut in 2023, featuring in Concacaf Nations League play that year and scoring his first international goal—completing what Richards had started in the title match against Canada. He will make his World Cup debut this summer, adding to his 25 caps and, in all likelihood, his eight-goal tally.
Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic may be enduring a prolonged goalscoring slump, but the star forward remains "Captain America" through and through.
The face of the USMNT will undoubtedly be central to the Stars and Stripes' campaign this summer, regardless of whether he can rediscover his scoring touch. The now 27-year-old was the breakout American star of the 2022 World Cup, netting the decisive goal against Iran to secure the U.S.'s place in the round of 16.
Pulisic, celebrated for his achievements as an American playing in Europe's elite leagues, has become virtually synonymous with soccer excellence in the United States. Whatever form he carries into the World Cup, fans across the country will be counting on him to lead the underdogs on a memorable run.
The record-equaling four-time U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year has not scored for the USMNT since 2024, however. He has also gone without a goal for club side AC Milan since the new year, enduring a career-worst 19-game scoreless run in Serie A. He did contribute an assist on Sunday, though, in Milan's 2–1 victory over Genoa—perhaps a sign that he is rediscovering his best form just ahead of soccer's biggest stage.
Weston McKennie
Given Pulisic's inconsistent form, Weston McKennie could well be the most crucial player for the U.S. this summer.
The 27-year-old Juventus midfielder is a true "Swiss Army knife," capable of operating in virtually any position on the field—one might even consider him in goal if absolutely necessary—meaning he can and will fill gaps for Pochettino throughout the tournament. The natural central midfielder has recently been deployed as a striker, right wing-back, and even left back.
"It's true that Juventus is Weston McKennie plus 10 players," Pochettino said during the March international window. "We're happy for that because that means that he's an important player for Juventus. Another thing that I celebrate is that he can play in every single place ... He's playing and he's playing in different positions. It's good for him and it's good for us."
McKennie isn't just enjoying a versatile season—he's having a career-best season. He has racked up 15 goal contributions across all competitions as a key starter for the Italian giants, helping them assert themselves in Serie A.
"I'm feeling good, I'm feeling confident. I'm having my best season that I've had, and there's no better time to do that than when heading into a World Cup," he tells Sports Illustrated.
McKennie first represented the national team back in 2017 and was a cornerstone of the Stars and Stripes at the 2022 World Cup, starting all four matches. He will bring vital experience and leadership to the squad this summer.