Full World Cup rosters aren’t due just yet. But due to some excellent reporting, we have our first glimpse at who will be on the United States Men’s National Team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Here’s the latest on the USMNT, per The Athletic’s Tom Bogert:

IN: Gio Reyna, Sebastian Berhalter, Brenden Aaronson, Mark McKenzie, Matt Turner

OUT: Diego Luna, Zavier Gozo

Let’s break down what this means for the team.

Matt Turner’s inclusion isn’t a surprise. Though he has seemingly lost the No. 1 goalkeeper spot to Matt Freese, he’s the logical choice for the backup role. Brenden Aaronson is one of their most talented attackers and was always going to be on the team. Mark McKenzie has played a fair bit on the back line for Mauricio Pochettino’s teams over the last two years, and with Chris Richards injured, his inclusion was a virtual lock.

Zavier Gozo being out doesn’t qualify as much of a surprise, but it is significant. At only 19 years old, Gozo has yet to appear for the senior team. With the U20 squad, Gozo has two goals and four assists in 12 matches. He’s primarily a winger, but can play all over the formation. Gozo’s exclusion is a sign that talent alone won’t get you on the squad; veteran experience is being valued highly here.

Reyna and Berhalter making the squad is fascinating for a myriad of reasons. Few can forget the controversy surrounding the 2022 World Cup, which centered on coach Gregg Berhalter (Sebastian’s father) and Claudio Reyna (Gio’s father). Now the issues seem to be behind the team, and the two USMNT veterans (who are great friends) will be on the club. But many will be questioning the inclusions.

Reyna, 23, was once the brightest international prospect on the USMNT. He was valued at nearly $60 million on the transfer market as a teenager with Borussia Dortmund, looking like the No. 10 that could organize Team USA’s offense for years to come. But the results were never there; he went out on loan, was sold to Borussia M’gladbach, and has only appeared in four games over the last years for the USMNT. But here he is.

Berhalter’s inclusion makes more sense. A more traditional defensive midfielder, he can be the anchor that allows Weston McKennie to play more of a box-to-box midfield role. Pochettino trusted him for 11 matches across the last two years, and it’s not as much of a surprise.

Diego Luna is the exclusion everyone will be talking about. After playing in 16 matches for the USMNT in 2025, netting seven goal involvements, his spot on the roster felt like a foregone conclusion. As a winger who can play up top if needed, he has valuable versatility for this roster. It’s a strong indication that Folarin Balogun is safe as the top striker, and that Ricardo Pepi may have a spot. It also opens the door for Haji Wright as a reserve striker. But there’s no getting around it: Luna staying at home is a head scratcher, and if Team USA struggles to generate offense in this tournament, questions will be asked of Pochettino’s roster construction.

The full roster will be announced on Tuesday. This news sure adds to the drama before learning Pochettino’s full roster.