SouthernWorldwide.com – As the United States gears up to co-host the highly anticipated World Cup, reports suggest that the 26-player roster for the national team is beginning to take shape under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino.
While an official announcement from U.S. Soccer is not expected until after Memorial Day, leaked information from sources indicates that several key players are slated for inclusion. Among those reportedly set to make the squad are Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie, alongside goalkeeper Matt Turner and Sebastian Berhalter.
Sebastian Berhalter, son of former USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter, is a name that has surfaced in these early reports. Brenden Aaronson, meanwhile, is no stranger to the World Cup stage, having represented the U.S. in the 2022 tournament held in Qatar.
Further fueling the speculation, The Athletic has reported that Gio Reyna is also expected to be part of Mauricio Pochettino’s first World Cup squad as the manager of the USMNT. This marks a significant moment for Pochettino as he leads the team into the prestigious international competition.
Gio Reyna has been a subject of considerable discussion within the U.S. player pool, particularly following his departure from the 2022 World Cup due to what were described as behavioral issues. Despite these past controversies, his talent remains undeniable, and he has continued to be a significant figure for the team.
This past season, the 23-year-old Reyna accumulated a total of 509 minutes playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach. His inclusion in the squad, if confirmed, would signal a renewed opportunity for him to contribute on the international stage.
Amidst ongoing questions about his future with the national team, Reyna himself has expressed his deep desire to represent his country. He recently spoke about the profound significance of playing at the World Cup, emphasizing his hope for a call-up.
“I’m just hoping and waiting for the call-up, it would be an honor,” Reyna stated. “The national team means a lot to me. … I’d love to be there, have an impact on the team. It would be a dream to represent my country at the World Cup.”
The process of finalizing a World Cup roster inevitably involves difficult decisions, and reports suggest that Diego Luna, a standout player for Real Salt Lake, will not be part of the final squad this summer. Luna had become an important contributor to the USMNT’s rotation in 2025.
Luna’s contributions to the national team have been notable, with four goals in 18 appearances. He has also showcased his scoring prowess at the club level, netting 22 goals over the past three seasons for Real Salt Lake.
Another player from Real Salt Lake, Zavier Gozo, who also plays in Major League Soccer, has reportedly been informed that he will not be competing with the national team this summer. These omissions highlight the competitive nature of securing a spot on the World Cup roster.
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The USMNT is scheduled to commence its World Cup journey on June 12. Their opening match will be against Paraguay, taking place at the iconic SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, marking the beginning of their campaign on home soil.
