United States at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

The United States reached the semi-finals at the inaugural 1930 World Cup in Uruguay, finishing third on goal difference (no third-place match was played). After several absent decades, the USMNT returned to the World Cup in 1990 and has participated at every edition since. Their modern best result came in 2002, when they beat Portugal and Mexico to reach the quarter-finals in South Korea/Japan. The USA co-hosted the tournament in 1994, reaching the round of 16. They have never won the World Cup.

Qualification

The United States qualified automatically as one of the three co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. FIFA confirmed this automatic qualification in February 2023. As host nation, the USMNT bypassed the regular CONCACAF qualifying rounds entirely and was drawn directly into Group D as a Pot 1 side.

Preparation

The USMNT's World Cup run ended in the Round of 16 on July 6, beaten 4-1 by Belgium at Seattle Stadium after topping Group D and beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32 on July 1. Malik Tillman scored in both knockout matches (a free kick in each). Folarin Balogun was sent off late in the Bosnia win, but FIFA controversially suspended his one-match ban on July 5, following a reported call from President Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, letting him start unchanged against Belgium. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino, whose contract expired with the tournament, called the Belgium defeat 'not our day' and left his future with the federation undecided, saying talks would follow in the coming weeks.

Latest news

Pochettino leaves USMNT future undecided after 'not our day' Belgium exit

· general

After the 4-1 Round of 16 loss to Belgium, Pochettino said 'I think we were not good enough, it wasn't our day' and 'we were never in the game.' His federation contract expired with the tournament; he declined to confirm his future, saying he needs to 'rest a little bit, to think, to have conversation' with U.S. Soccer, with talks expected 'in the next weeks.'

USA's World Cup ends: Belgium win 4-1 in the Round of 16 at Seattle

· matches

Belgium eliminated the USMNT 4-1 at Seattle Stadium (66,925). De Ketelaere scored twice (9', 33') and set up Vanaken (57'); Lukaku added a stoppage-time goal. Tillman's 31st-minute free kick briefly levelled it at 1-1. McKennie and Tillman were booked; Arfsten made his World Cup debut off the bench. USA finished with a team-record 11 goals.

FIFA suspends Balogun's red-card ban after reported Trump call to Infantino, clearing him for Belgium

· general

On July 5, FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match ban for his Bosnia red card for a one-year probationary period, clearing him to start the July 6 Round of 16 match against Belgium. Reports said President Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review; Trump later thanked FIFA for 'reversing a great injustice.' Belgium's appeal was denied.

USA beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to reach Round of 16, first World Cup knockout win since 2002

· matches

The USMNT beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara (68,827). Balogun scored (45') and Tillman added a deflected free kick (82'). Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute after VAR review; USA held on with 10 men. Freese kept his second World Cup clean sheet, Tillman was Man of the Match, and it was Pochettino's third World Cup win, most of any USMNT coach.

Bosnia and Herzegovina officially confirmed as USMNT's Round of 32 opponent on July 1 in Santa Clara

· general

USMNT's Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina was confirmed after group stage play: July 1 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California, 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. Bosnia qualified as the best third-placed team from Group B with four points after beating Qatar 3-1. The USMNT is the heavy favourite. This is only the USA's second knockout game in the modern World Cup era.

Pulisic returns from calf injury against Turkiye, plays 30 minutes and says 'I felt healthy'

· injuries

Christian Pulisic came on in the 58th minute against Turkiye, his first World Cup action since leaving the Paraguay opener at halftime with a left calf injury. He played about 30 minutes, showing little sign of the problem. Post-match he said 'I felt healthy' and 'felt good with the ball.' ESPN concluded he 'looked ready to make his mark' and is expected to start against Bosnia on July 1.

Trusty scores first career international goal but is taken off on a stretcher with ankle injury

· injuries

Auston Trusty opened scoring against Turkiye with his first career international goal (3rd min), the second-fastest USMNT goal in World Cup history. He later rolled his left ankle near the by-line and left on a stretcher, plus hamstring cramps. With no subs left, the USA played out short. Trusty said 'I rolled my ankle pretty bad' but 'I'll be fine. No worries.' He has until July 1 to recover.

USA lose 3-2 to Turkiye in stoppage time but win Group D with a USMNT record six points

· matches

A rotated USMNT fell 3-2 to Turkiye in stoppage time at SoFi Stadium. Trusty (3') and Berhalter (49', who assisted Trusty's opener) scored; Güler (10'), Kökçü (31') and Ayhan (90+8') replied. Pochettino made nine changes from Australia, a USMNT World Cup record, keeping only McKennie and Pepi. Meaningless for standings, the USA won Group D on a record six points and now face Bosnia July 1.

Pulisic declares himself fit and expects to play against Turkiye after returning to full training

· injuries

Christian Pulisic returned to full USMNT team training on June 23 and on June 24 told reporters he is 'feeling good' and 'hoping to play a part tomorrow, for sure.' He said he has 'been working every single day' during recovery from his left calf injury. He acknowledged he likely won't play 90 minutes but expects to feature against Turkiye on June 25.

Bosnia and Herzegovina all but confirmed as USMNT's Round of 32 opponent on July 1 in Santa Clara

· general

Following Bosnia and Herzegovina's 3-1 win over Qatar in Group B, the Bosnians are overwhelmingly likely (described as 'more than 99 percent') to be the USMNT's Round of 32 opponent. The match is scheduled for July 1 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The USA clinched Group D with two wins from two matches.

USMNT faces rotation dilemma vs Turkiye; four players risk yellow-card suspension

· general

With Group D already secured, Pochettino faces rotation choices for the June 25 Turkiye finale. Four players on yellow cards risk suspension for the Round of 32 (July 1): Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson. Heavy rotation expected with Roldan, McKenzie, Arfsten and Freese likely to feature. Pulisic's participation remains uncertain pending his left calf recovery.

Players react after USMNT clinch Group D: 'We're delighted, now focus shifts to Turkiye'

· general

After qualifying for the knockouts with two wins from two, USMNT players expressed satisfaction and immediate focus on Turkiye (June 25). Balogun: 'If someone said before the tournament two games and you're through to the knockouts, I think we all would have took it.' Freese: 'Enjoy this win for the next hour or two, then focus shifts immediately to beating Turkiye on Thursday.'

USA beat Australia 2-0 in Seattle to reach knockout round with two games to spare

· matches

The USMNT defeated Australia 2-0 at Seattle Stadium (66,925 fans), qualifying for the Round of 32 after two group matches, the first time in the modern era. Burgess turned a Balogun cross into his own net (11') and Freeman headed in off a Dest deflection (43', VAR confirmed). The crowd reaction registered on Pacific Northwest seismic equipment. Pulisic remained unavailable with his calf injury.

Alex Freeman scores at World Cup; becomes sixth-youngest American scorer in tournament history

· squad

Defender Alex Freeman (21) headed home the USMNT's second goal against Australia, becoming the sixth-youngest American WC scorer. His rise included MLS Young Player of the Year 2025 and a USMNT debut one year before the tournament. Pochettino: 'The evolution is massive. He has the potential to be one of the best players in his position in the world.'

Pulisic misses Australia match; remains unavailable with calf injury ahead of Turkiye decider

· injuries

Christian Pulisic was unavailable for the USA's 2-0 win over Australia on June 19, still managing the left calf injury sustained in the Paraguay opener. The USMNT face Turkiye on June 25 in Los Angeles to complete Group D; his availability for that match and a potential Round of 32 fixture remains uncertain.

Pulisic training apart from USMNT squad with calf injury; day-to-day for Australia match

· injuries

Pulisic has not rejoined full training since suffering a left calf kick in the June 12 Paraguay opener, from which he was substituted at halftime. As of June 15 he is doing modified individual sessions. Pochettino said he is 'evolving, much better' but his status for the June 19 Australia match is day-to-day pending a June 18 medical review.

USA open World Cup with 4-1 rout of Paraguay; Balogun brace, Reyna seals it

· matches

The USMNT beat Paraguay 4-1 at SoFi Stadium before 70,492 fans. Bobadilla OG (7'), Balogun brace (31', 45+5') - the first American to score twice in a World Cup since 1930 - and Reyna (90+8') sealed it; Maurício replied for Paraguay (73'). Pulisic assisted Balogun's opener but was subbed at halftime with a left calf injury.

Full squad available for Paraguay opener; Pochettino yet to decide on Richards starting

· injuries

U.S. Soccer confirmed on June 11 that all 26 USMNT players, including recovering defender Chris Richards, are available for the June 12 World Cup opener against Paraguay. Coach Pochettino stated 'it's really a good feeling to have all 26 players available to select' but said he would decide whether Richards starts or comes off the bench.

Pochettino: 'Time for speeches is over' ahead of Paraguay World Cup opener

· general

At his pre-match press conference on June 11, Pochettino kept his starting XI secret but said he had decided on his lineup. He described the Paraguay clash as 'very, very difficult', praised their qualifying record (wins over Argentina and Brazil) and coach Gustavo Alfaro, and said players now need no external motivation: 'If you aren't ready, sorry guys, it's impossible to perform.'

Richards declares himself 'ready' for World Cup opener after returning to full training

· injuries

Defender Chris Richards told reporters at the USMNT's Southern California base on June 10 that he is 'ready' for the June 12 opener against Paraguay, a boost after two torn ankle ligaments suffered with Crystal Palace on May 17. He had returned to full team training earlier in opener week. He called the ankle slightly swollen but manageable and said he would do everything '100%'.

USMNT open World Cup base camp at Great Park in Irvine; Adams held out for load management

· general

The USMNT held its first World Cup base-camp session at Great Park in Irvine (Orange County), Southern California, before 5,500-plus spectators. Chris Richards trained fully with the team for the first time since camp opened. Tyler Adams sat out for load management, not injury, having played 72 minutes in the June 6 Germany friendly. Pochettino said it was good to have nearly everyone available.

USA fall 1-2 to Germany in final World Cup send-off at Soldier Field

· matches

In their last warm-up before the World Cup, the USMNT lost 1-2 to Germany before a sellout 63,636 at Soldier Field in Chicago. Kai Havertz headed Germany ahead inside the opening minutes, Antonee Robinson levelled with a long-range volley in the 37th, and Leroy Sané restored the lead in the 57th. Matt Freese started in goal; Chris Richards sat out injured.

Richards still not game-ready; misses Germany as USMNT weighs World Cup replacement

· injuries

Chris Richards trained with the full squad for the first time on June 5 but Pochettino said he 'is not ready to compete, to play' and sat out the June 6 Germany friendly. Pochettino was annoyed by Crystal Palace's conflicting medical updates on his two torn ankle ligaments (May 17). The U.S. has until 24 hours before the June 12 Paraguay opener to file a FIFA replacement; availability uncertain.

USA beat Senegal 3-2 in Charlotte as Pulisic ends scoring drought

· matches

In the first of two pre-World Cup send-off friendlies, the USMNT beat Senegal 3-2 in Charlotte. Sergiño Dest (7') and Christian Pulisic (20') gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead before Sadio Mané scored twice (44', 52'). Folarin Balogun struck the winner (63') off a Tim Weah cross. Pulisic's goal was his first for the U.S. since November 2024. Chris Brady made his international debut in the second half.

Chris Richards stays in Atlanta with ankle injury; World Cup status questionable

· injuries

Defender Chris Richards did not travel to Charlotte for the Senegal friendly, staying near Atlanta to rehab an ankle injury (two torn ligaments sustained with Crystal Palace on May 17). Pochettino said Richards would be reevaluated before the June 6 Germany friendly, leaving his availability for the June 12 World Cup opener against Paraguay in doubt.

Pochettino names Tim Ream World Cup captain

· general

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino announced that 38-year-old defender Tim Ream, the oldest player on the 26-man roster, will be the USMNT captain at the 2026 World Cup. Pochettino said it was his own decision, not a player vote, and praised Ream's leadership on and off the field. Ream had already worn the armband in 16 of 23 matches under Pochettino.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Chris BradyGKChicago Fire
Matt FreeseGKNew York City FC
Matt TurnerGKNew England Revolution
Max ArfstenDFColumbus Crew
Sergiño DestDFPSV Eindhoven
Alex FreemanDFVillarreal
Mark McKenzieDFToulouse
Tim ReamDFCharlotte FC
Chris RichardsDFCrystal Palace
Antonee RobinsonDFFulham
Miles RobinsonDFFC Cincinnati
Joe ScallyDFBorussia Mönchengladbach
Auston TrustyDFCeltic
Tyler AdamsMFAFC Bournemouth
Sebastian BerhalterMFVancouver Whitecaps
Weston McKennieMFJuventus
Cristian RoldanMFSeattle Sounders
Brenden AaronsonMFLeeds United
Christian PulisicMFAC Milan
Gio ReynaMFBorussia Mönchengladbach
Malik TillmanMFBayer Leverkusen
Tim WeahMFMarseille
Alejandro ZendejasMFClub América
Folarin BalogunFWAS Monaco
Ricardo PepiFWPSV Eindhoven
Haji WrightFWCoventry City

Recent results

  • 2024-01-20 — USA 0-1 SVN (friendly)
  • 2024-06-08 — USA 1-5 COL (friendly)
  • 2024-06-12 — USA 1-1 BRA (friendly)
  • 2024-09-07 — USA 1-2 CAN (friendly)
  • 2024-09-10 — USA 1-1 NZL (friendly)
  • 2024-10-12 — USA 2-0 PAN (friendly)
  • 2024-10-15 — MEX 2-0 USA (friendly)
  • 2025-01-18 — USA 3-1 VEN (friendly)
  • 2025-01-22 — USA 3-0 CRC (friendly)
  • 2025-06-07 — USA 1-2 TUR (friendly)
  • 2025-06-10 — USA 0-4 SUI (friendly)
  • 2025-09-06 — USA 0-2 KOR (friendly)
  • 2025-09-09 — USA 2-0 JPN (friendly)
  • 2025-10-10 — USA 1-1 ECU (friendly)
  • 2025-10-14 — USA 2-1 AUS (friendly)
  • 2025-11-15 — USA 2-1 PAR (friendly)
  • 2025-11-18 — USA 5-1 URU (friendly)
  • 2026-03-28 — USA 2-5 BEL (friendly)
  • 2026-03-31 — USA 0-2 POR (friendly)
  • 2026-05-31 — USA 3-2 SEN (friendly)
  • 2026-06-06 — USA 1-2 GER (friendly)

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