USMNT World Cup Roster Leaked: Diego Luna Out, Gio Reyna In — And Pochettino Has Some Explaining to Do

The 2026 World Cup roster for the US Men's National Team has been obtained by The Guardian ahead of Tuesday's official announcement at Pier 17 in Manhattan, and it's already generating serious debate.

Mauricio Pochettino's 26-man squad is defender-heavy, contains at least one genuinely surprising inclusion, and leaves out two players who most fans assumed were locks. Here's what you need to know — and what it tells us about how Pochettino plans to set up on home soil.

The headline omission: Diego Luna

This is the one that will sting the most. Luna, 22, has been one of the USMNT's most consistent contributors over the past year. He returned from a knee injury in April and went straight back to form for Real Salt Lake — four goals and two assists in seven MLS appearances. He's dynamic, he's young, and he's been a fan favorite.

He's not on the plane.

Pochettino may be taking a more long-term approach with the 22-year-old, but that's cold comfort for fans who watched Luna earn his spot. The omission leaves a real question about the attacking depth behind the front three.

Tessmann out too — but this one's easier to understand

Tanner Tessmann sustained a muscle strain at Lyon two weeks ago, and while he was still anticipated to be included, his omission appears to be injury-related. He featured heavily for Lyon this season and was widely expected to slot into the midfield. Whether this is a permanent door closed or an injury call that could change before June 1's official submission deadline remains to be seen.

The curious inclusion: Gio Reyna

Reyna is a talented but polarizing figure who has made only four USMNT appearances since the Copa América in the summer of 2024. His selection over Luna — who was producing at club level right up until selection — is the decision Pochettino will face the most questions about on Tuesday.

Reyna's ceiling is undeniable. But at a World Cup on home soil, with games that matter from day one, the gap between ceiling and consistency is a real risk.

Alejandro Zendejas gets the nod

Club América winger Alejandro Zendejas earned a spot despite receiving just 139 minutes under Pochettino. That's a significant vote of confidence from a coach who has repeatedly said no one is safe regardless of reputation.

What the roster tells us about Pochettino's plan

This roster reflects exactly what Pochettino set out to build: a squad without entitlement, where competition ran through every position group, and 71 players got a look before 26 were chosen.

The front three of Balogun, Pepi, and Wright is lean — just three pure forwards for six weeks of tournament football. Zendejas offers versatility higher up the pitch, but if Balogun picks up an injury, the depth chart gets thin fast.

What happens next

The official roster announcement is Tuesday, May 26 at Pier 17 on the East River in Manhattan — a live public event with player appearances and entertainment. Official rosters aren't due until June 1, and it's possible these leaks have inaccuracies. With two more friendlies against Senegal and Germany ahead of the Cup, the roster could still shift if FIFA approves injury-related changes.

The World Cup opener is June 11. Pochettino has 18 days to answer every question this roster just raised.