USMNT 2026 World Cup Roster Snubs: Luna, Tessmann and More

Mauricio Pochettino has officially unveiled the 26-man roster tasked with carrying the hopes of a nation at the 2026 World Cup. While mainstays like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams are included, the final list features some surprising omissions that have sparked intense debate.

The most shocking exclusion is midfielder Tanner Tessmann. Given his versatility at Lyon and the injury to Johnny Cardoso, Tessmann was widely expected to secure a spot in the defensive midfield rotation. Similarly, Diego Luna, who was a standout throughout 2025 and a face of the pre-tournament marketing campaigns, failed to make the cut.

The roster also confirms the fall of Yunus Musah. Once considered a core piece of the 2026 project, his club struggles and reported friction with the coaching staff have effectively ended his international momentum for this cycle.

Some players were cruelly denied a home World Cup due to significant injuries sustained in the final stretch of the season. Mauricio Pochettino

Injuries have also played a major role, with players like Patrick Agyemang and Cameron Carter-Vickers sidelined by long-term issues. These absences force Pochettino to lean heavily on his remaining depth as the squad prepares for group stage matches against Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey.

The stakes for this tournament are immense, as the U.S. faces the pressure of co-hosting the World Cup. With the roster now set, the tactical focus shifts to how the team will manage without several players who were previously considered integral to the squad's plans.