The 3 Biggest Snubs From Mauricio Pochettino's USMNT World Cup Roster

The U.S. Men’s National Team will have its full 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup announced on Tuesday in a big, multi-hour television event, but that didn’t stop The Guardian from leaking the squad in full days before the national spectacle.

While a majority of the roster was known even a year ago, there were some major surprises like Gio Reyna and Alejandro Zendejas, who made the roster and will represent the United States on the biggest stage the sport has to offer.

But before we move on to the USMNT‘s opening World Cup game in Los Angeles against Paraguay, here are my three biggest omissions from the roster.

More news: USMNT World Cup Full Roster Leaked Before Official Announcement: Report

Tanner Tessmann (Lyon)

Maybe the biggest shock among players not on the list, Tessman was someone Mauricio Pochettino seemed to prize and could have even fought for a starting spot. Tessman picked up an injury at the beginning of May that ended his club season early with Lyon, so there’s an expectation that this was a major reason for his absence.

Still, even at 80%, it feels like Tessmann could have been needed as an emergency midfield option in case Tyler Adams or Weston McKennie picked up a serious ailment.

Aidan Morris (Middlesbrough)

Continuing on with midfield picks, Morris had a breakthrough year with Middlesbrough, where he was a starring player on a team that came a single goal away from being promoted to the Premier League from the Championship. Morris is the type of player who could be huge if Adams or McKennie get injured or are in card trouble, which will put even more pressure on those two to be the spine of the team.

Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)

There’s nothing more awkward than being in all the promotional material for the World Cup in your home country and then not even making the team.

Outside of Christian Pulisic, the Mexican-American Luna might be the most recognizable player for the USMNT if you’re a casual fan. Last year, he was the heart and the soul of the team, and now, at the doorstep of the biggest tournament of all time, Luna has to watch from home.

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This story was originally published May 23, 2026 at 5:56 PM.