The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has announced a 27-player roster for two important international friendlies against Belgium and Portugal later this month. These matches will be the final games before the coaching staff decides the squad for the upcoming World Cup, making this camp a key moment for players hoping to secure a spot.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has selected a group that is close to the team’s strongest lineup, although a few notable players will miss the camp because of injuries.
USMNT Friendly Matches Schedule
The United States will play both matches in Atlanta during the upcoming international window.
| Match | Date | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| USA vs Belgium | March 28 | 3:30 PM ET |
| USA vs Portugal | March 31 | 7:00 PM ET |
These games will give the coaching staff a final opportunity to evaluate player combinations and tactics before naming the World Cup squad later this year.
Key Absences from the Squad
Two players who have recently been part of the USMNT setup will miss the upcoming friendlies due to injuries.
| Player | Position | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Tyler Adams | Midfielder | Injury recovery |
| Diego Luna | Midfielder | Knee injury |
Adams recently returned from a torn MCL and had started several matches for his club before missing the latest fixture. Luna has also been working his way back after a knee issue earlier in the season.
Their absence creates opportunities for other midfielders to prove themselves before the final World Cup selection.
USMNT Goalkeepers
The roster includes four goalkeepers, all currently playing in Major League Soccer.
| Goalkeepers | Club |
|---|---|
| Chris Brady | Chicago Fire |
| Roman Celentano | FC Cincinnati |
| Matt Freese | New York City FC |
| Matt Turner | New England Revolution |
Freese has been trusted regularly under Pochettino, while Turner remains one of the most experienced options after starting in the 2022 World Cup.
USMNT Defenders
The defensive group includes a mix of MLS and European-based players. The recent injury to right-back Sergiño Dest has opened the door for other defenders to compete for starting roles.
| Defenders | Club |
|---|---|
| Max Arfsten | Columbus Crew |
| Alex Freeman | Villarreal |
| Mark McKenzie | Toulouse |
| Tim Ream | Charlotte FC |
| Chris Richards | Crystal Palace |
| Antonee Robinson | Fulham |
| Miles Robinson | FC Cincinnati |
| Joe Scally | Borussia Mönchengladbach |
| Auston Trusty | Celtic |
Richards has become a key player in the back line, while Ream remains one of the most experienced defenders in the squad.
Also see: FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets: Prices, Categories, Availability & Latest Sales News
USMNT Midfielders
The midfield selection features several players competing for key roles in the absence of Tyler Adams.
| Midfielders | Club |
|---|---|
| Sebastian Berhalter | Vancouver Whitecaps |
| Johnny Cardoso | Atlético Madrid |
| Weston McKennie | Juventus |
| Aidan Morris | Middlesbrough |
| Gio Reyna | Borussia Mönchengladbach |
| Cristian Roldan | Seattle Sounders |
| Tanner Tessmann | Lyon |
| Malik Tillman | Bayer Leverkusen |
Aidan Morris has impressed during recent international appearances, while Cardoso and Tessmann have gained valuable minutes with their clubs in Europe.
USMNT Forwards
The attacking group features several players who are expected to play a key role in the team’s offense.
| Forwards | Club |
|---|---|
| Brenden Aaronson | Leeds United |
| Patrick Agyemang | Derby County |
| Folarin Balogun | Monaco |
| Ricardo Pepi | PSV Eindhoven |
| Christian Pulisic | Milan |
| Tim Weah | Marseille |
Pulisic remains the most influential player in the attack, while Balogun, Pepi and Agyemang provide options at striker.
World Cup Excitement Building in the United States
As preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, excitement is growing around the national team. Marketing campaigns and fan initiatives have already begun celebrating the team’s upcoming participation in the tournament.
A new promotional campaign featuring Christian Pulisic highlights the pride and enthusiasm of US soccer supporters as the country prepares to host the global competition.
| Campaign Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Player Featured | Christian Pulisic |
| Focus | Celebrating US soccer fans |
| Goal | Build excitement for World Cup 2026 |
The campaign also encourages fan participation through special promotions and opportunities to win tickets to upcoming World Cup matches.
Final Opportunity Before the World Cup Squad Decision
The upcoming friendlies against Belgium and Portugal will be the last chance for many players to impress the coaching staff before the final World Cup roster is selected.
With competition for places increasing and the tournament approaching, these matches are expected to provide important insight into the team’s readiness for the biggest event in international soccer.
