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Reyna In, Luna Out as USMNT Finalizes 2026 World Cup Roster

ESPN General •
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United States coach Mauricio Pochettino will unveil his 26‑player squad for the 2026 World Cup in New York City on Tuesday. The announcement will confirm the inclusion of Gio Reyna and the omission of Diego Luna, a regular who has tallied 18 caps, four goals and four assists since 2024 in the current campaign ahead.

Luna, who has been a mainstay under Pochettino, was left out despite his recent form. The decision follows reports that he missed the final cut alongside teammate Zavier Gozo. Chris Richards also faces scrutiny after an ankle injury, yet reports suggest he is fit for tournament play for the USMNT roster in the coming matches.

The roster also names Matt Freese from New York City FC, who will contend with Matt Turner for the starting goalkeeper spot. Other names include Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, and Alejandro Zendejas, all of whom have shown promise in recent friendlies. Pochettino’s choices signal a mix of youth and experience for the tournament in 2026.

With the World Cup opening on June 12 against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, the finalized squad will face pressure to perform. The exclusion of seasoned players like Luna could reshape tactics, while Reyna’s inclusion hints at a strategic shift toward younger creativity. The roster decision will directly impact the team’s competitive edge in the tournament.