USMNT World Cup Roster Leak: Zendejas In, Tessmann Out for 2026

The United States men's national team's 26-man roster for the 2026 World Cup has been obtained by the Guardian, revealing a blend of expected stalwarts and a few eyebrow-raising decisions by head coach Mauricio Pochettino. With the official announcement set for Tuesday at a nationally televised event in New York City, the leaked list confirms that Club América winger Alejandro Zendejas has made the cut, while Lyon defensive midfielder Tanner Tessmann is the most notable absentee. The squad also includes Borussia Mönchengladbach's Gio Reyna and Sebastian Berhalter, but leaves out Real Salt Lake's in-form attacker Diego Luna. These choices, first reported by the Athletic and corroborated by the Guardian, offer an early glimpse into Pochettino's tactical vision for a home World Cup.

The Surprise Inclusions and Omissions

The roster's most striking feature is the inclusion of Zendejas, a dynamic wide player who has been a consistent performer for Club América in Liga MX. His selection adds depth to the USMNT's wing options, providing a direct, dribbling threat that could prove vital in breaking down compact defenses. Zendejas's ability to play on either flank gives Pochettino flexibility, and his experience in high-pressure Mexican league matches may translate well to the World Cup stage.

Tessmann's Absence Raises Midfield Questions

Equally notable is the omission of Tanner Tessmann. The Lyon midfielder has been a regular in Ligue 1 and offers a physical, ball-winning presence in the center of the park. His exclusion suggests Pochettino may favor a more mobile or technically oriented midfield setup, or perhaps that other holding players have edged ahead in the pecking order. Without Tessmann, the US will need to rely on its existing core to shield the backline, a decision that could be tested against elite opposition.

Reyna and Berhalter Secure Their Spots

Gio Reyna's inclusion was widely anticipated, but it nonetheless provides a creative spark that the team has often lacked. The Borussia Mönchengladbach attacker can operate as a No. 10 or from the left, and his vision will be crucial in unlocking defenses. Sebastian Berhalter's presence is more of a surprise; the midfielder, whose club situation was not detailed in the Guardian's report, appears to have convinced Pochettino of his value, possibly as a depth option in central areas. Meanwhile, Diego Luna's omission will sting for the Real Salt Lake faithful. The young playmaker has been in strong form domestically, but the competition for attacking midfield slots proved too fierce.

Tactical Implications for Pochettino's Squad

Pochettino's selections hint at a squad built for verticality and width. Zendejas and the other wingers will be expected to stretch play, while Reyna's inclusion points to a desire for a central creator who can operate between the lines. The absence of a pure destroyer like Tessmann might indicate a shift toward a double pivot that prioritizes ball retention and quick transitions. However, the full roster context is still missing—only these few names have been confirmed by the Guardian's sources, leaving questions about the goalkeeping, defensive, and forward lines unanswered until the official reveal.

The decision to omit Luna, a player who could have provided an X-factor off the bench, suggests Pochettino values experience or specific tactical fit over raw form

With the World Cup

being played on home soil, every selection will be scrutinized, and the pressure to advance deep into the tournament is immense.

AI Perspective: What These Choices Mean for the USMNT's World Cup Campaign

From an analytical standpoint, the inclusion of Zendejas and the exclusion of Tessmann are the two moves that will most shape the USMNT's tournament. Zendejas gives Pochettino a genuine one-on-one specialist who can change a game from the bench or start against opponents that sit deep. His Liga MX pedigree, while not at the level of Europe's top five leagues, has prepared him for intense, physical contests—exactly what the World Cup will bring. Tessmann's absence, on the other hand, leaves a void in defensive midfield that could be exploited by teams with powerful runners from deep. The US will likely lean heavily on its existing midfielders to cover that ground, but if injuries or suspensions hit, the lack of a like-for-like replacement could become a glaring weakness.

Reyna's inclusion is a no-brainer, but his fitness and consistency will be under the microscope. If he can replicate his club form, he could be the creative fulcrum the team has craved. Sebastian Berhalter's role is harder to project without knowing his club situation, but his selection indicates Pochettino sees him as a system-fit rather than a standout individual. Diego Luna's omission, while harsh, may reflect a tactical choice to prioritize defensive solidity or set-piece prowess over a pure attacker. Ultimately, these early leaks suggest a squad that is bold in wide areas but potentially vulnerable through the middle—a gamble that could define the hosts' World Cup fate.