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The United States World Cup 2026 squad is getting closer, as the co-hosts step up preparations

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The United States World Cup 2026 squad is starting shape up under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, with just a few months remaining before the biggest tournament in sports. Since losing to Mexico in the Gold Cup Final, the USMNT have lost to South Korea, drawn to Ecuador and beaten Japan and Australia: World Cup 2026 marks their second time hosting the tournament though, and they'll be hoping to build momentum before the competition begins with one of the younger squads at the tournament. The United States will be looking to improve on their previous World Cup finish, where they exited in the Round of 16 – they'll be led by the experienced Mauricio Pochettino, who has the unenviable task of galvanizing the nation. Judging by the uniformity of his past few national team squads, it's evident that Pochettino is quickly finding his best national team squad. However, it is also worth noting that there were a few high-profile absences from the autumn squads, like starting fullbacks Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest and midfield anchor Tyler Adams, whose wife gave birth in October. They were also deprived of two key figures in midfield with new Atletico Madrid signing Johnny Cardoso working his way back from an ankle injury that has kept him out for a month, whilst new Gladbach arrival Giovanni Reyna missed out with a thigh problem. So can the US shock a few doubters next summer? The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. June 6 2026: United States vs Germany, Soldier Field, Chicago, United States May 31 2026: United States vs TBD, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, United States March 31 2026: United States vs Portugal, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, United States March 28 2026: United States vs Belgium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, United States November 18: United States 5-1 Uruguay, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida, United States October 15: United States 2-1 Australia, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Colorado, United States October 11: United States 2-1 Ecuador, Q2 Stadium, Texas, United States September 10: United States 2-0 Japan, Lower. com Field, Ohio, United States September 4: United States 0-2 South Korea, Sports Illustrated Stadium, New Jersey, United States July 7: United States 1-2 Mexico, NRG Stadium, Texas, United States July 3: United States 2-1 Guatemala, Energizer Park, Missouri, United States June 30: United States 2-2 Costa Rica (4-3 pens), U. S. Bank Stadium, Minnesota, United States June 23: United States 2-1 Haiti, AT&T Stadium, Texas, United States June 20: Saudi Arabia 0-1 United States, Q2 Stadium, Texas, United States June 15: United States 5-0 Trinidad and Tobago, Pay Pal Park, California, United States June 11: United States 0-4 Switzerland, GEODIS Park, Tennessee, United States June 7: United States 1-2 Turkey, Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field, Connecticut, United States March 23: Canada 2-1 United States, So Fi Stadium, California, United States March 20: United States 0-1 Panama, So Fi Stadium, California, United States January 23: United States 3-0 Costa Rica, Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, United States January 18: United States 3-1 Venezuela, Chase Stadium, Florida, United States

One year after taking charge of the US Men's National Team, Mauricio Pochettino has already seen his fair share of highs and lows in his maiden international job. The USA have struggled against higher-ranked opponents, losing in friendlies against Mexico, South Korea, Turkey and Switzerland, whilst they also lost in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals and third-place match vs. Panama and Canada. But despite missing various key players like Christian Pulisic, Ricardo Pepi and Weston Mc Kennie, the USMNT made it all the way to the Gold Cup Final, where they relinquished an early lead and lost 2-1 to Mexico. After winning two of their last three vs. Australia and Japan and holding Ecuador to a 1-1 draw, Pochettino will be hoping his side continues to pick up the pace and click on all cylinders ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

He may not get the same headlines as Christian Pulisic, but Tyler Adams has demonstrated time and time again that he is the USMNT's most indispensable player, and he'll be looking to guide them to glory in the upcoming World Cup. Born and raised in New York, Adams ascended New York Red Bulls' academy before making the move to Europe in 2019 with RB Leipzig. He established himself as one of the Bundesliga's best defensive midfielders alongside the likes of Joshua Kimmich and Diadie Samassekou before making the move to Leeds, spending just one year there before moving to Bournemouth in 2023. Adams' tenacious tackling and never-say-die mentality, combined with his precise passing and impressive shielding of the ball has converted him into one of the first names on the team sheet for club and country. And after wearing the captain's armband in the previous FIFA World Cup, all signs point to Adams having a massive role to play on home soil in 2026. Zach Lowy is a freelance football writer who covers a wide range of football leagues from Serie A to the Premier League to Ligue 1. Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, Zach has interviewed a wide range of players and ex-players such as Simão Sabrosa, Louis Saha, Andrés Villas-Boas and Diego Forlán. Over the past 6 and a half years, he has served as the co-creator of Breaking The Lines (@BTLVid on Twitter), the chief editor of the website and the main social media producer. Zach has also covered the Portuguese league on a consistent basis, interviewing players from various Primeira Liga clubs like Braga, Rio Ave, Famalicão, Tondela, Estoril Praia and Arouca. He has traveled to Russia and France to cover the World Cup and Toulon Tournament, respectively. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

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