Landon Donovan Drops His Dream USMNT Squad for 2026 World Cup

Former U.S. men's national team legend Landon Donovan has selected his ideal 26-player squad for the FIFA World Cup if the tournament began today.

The USMNT concluded 2026 preparations on a positive note following a commanding 5–1 victory over Uruguay. Donovan believes two exceptional performers from the November international window, Gio Reyna and Sebastian Berhalter, have demonstrated sufficient quality to secure their places immediately.

Both players found the net and provided assists during this camp, creating selection dilemmas for Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino has exercised caution regarding Reyna, seeking consistency at club level to match his international displays. However, Donovan considers Reyna a certainty for next summer's tournament in California. Meanwhile, Berhalter continues developing with the national setup after an impressive campaign with Vancouver Whitecaps. His display against Uruguay merits another call-up come March.

Below is Donovan's complete 26-man World Cup squad selection.

Landon Donovan's 2026 World Cup USMNT Roster Prediction

Goalkeepers

Similar to many observers, Donovan views Freese as the number one goalkeeper. The New York City FC shot-stopper has excelled since assuming first-choice responsibilities from Matt Turner. Limited game time for Turner created opportunities for competition, and Freese has maintained his grip on the position.

Turner and Patrick Schulte would serve as backup options.

Defenders

Donovan selected just four central defenders despite Pochettino's tactical shift to a 3-4-3 system. However, the November camp may have revealed the Argentine's tournament strategy.

Joe Scally and Alex Freeman featured at right center-back against Paraguay and Uruguay respectively. Both are natural fullbacks, suggesting Pochettino may prefer adaptable defenders in his back three. Freeman even netted twice against La Celeste while being encouraged to overlap and contribute offensively.

Chris Richards and Tim Ream appear likely starters defensively, so Pochettino might select another defender based on group stage opposition.

Midfielders

Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie remain certain selections barring fitness concerns, while several recent standouts feature in Donovan's choices.

Tanner Tessmann appears positioned to start matches next summer in central midfield. The American would form an effective partnership with Tyler Adams in the engine room. Berhalter has earned his place after dominating a quality Uruguay team.

Aidan Morris and Cristian Roldan appear destined for substitute roles.

Wingers

Pochettino possesses abundant attacking talent while his key players offer tactical flexibility.

Donovan would include Tim Weah, Malik Tillman, Christian Pulisic, Diego Luna, Brenden Aaronson and Reyna. Almost every player can operate across multiple forward positions, with Weah potentially dropping deeper as wing-back.

Should the Argentine choose to move his wide forwards centrally to create space for advancing defenders, Pulisic, Tillman, Reyna and Luna possess the ability to function as inventive attacking midfielders.

Aaronson could offer impact from the substitutes' bench.

Strikers

The forward selections, including the primary choice, are clear-cut: Folarin Balogun spearheads the attack with Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright providing alternatives from the bench.

Balogun established himself as the leading striker after netting the decisive goal against Paraguay. The 24-year-old has also demonstrated effectiveness in link-up play during recent international gatherings.

Who Misses the Cut?

Should injuries occur before the World Cup, Donovan identified Patrick Agyemang, Alejandro Zendejas and Auston Trusty as possible replacements.

Additional prominent names omitted included Yunus Musah, Johnny Cardoso, Roman Celentano and Joe Scally.