World Cup 2026: Meet USMNT Forward Alex Zendejas
Mauricio Pochettino leaned on versatility and recent form, with Alex Zendejas scoring six goals and assisting three more in 2026.
- USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino named the U.S. Men's National Team roster in New York for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, selecting the maximum 26 players using an unconventional method as the tournament begins June 11.
- Pochettino, in his first World Cup as an international manager, prioritized tactical flexibility with a squad designed to play multiple formations, stating the roster provides options to field a back four, back three, or various midfield configurations.
- Forward Alex Zendejas, who plays for Club América, brings six goals and three assists in 2026 after recovering from injuries, while Pochettino praised his ability to play on the wing or inside the field.
- Right back Alex Freeman, 21, celebrated his first World Cup selection after rapidly rising from Orlando City to Champions League soccer with Villarreal, sharing the news with his father in Spain as an unforgettable moment.
- Pochettino's squad faces steep historical odds with the Americans 1-7 in knockout World Cup matches and an eight-match losing streak to European opponents since 2022, requiring advancement beyond the 2002 quarterfinals to show progress.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Mauricio Pochettino announced the members of the American team for the World Cup.
Mexican-American Alejandro Zendejas was summoned by coach Mauricio Pochettino on the final list of 26 players to play the 2026 World Cup with the selection of the bars and stars, one of the hostess of the Cup, where the names of Christian Pulisic (Milan), Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach) and Tim Weah (Marsella) also stand out.
Notified Individually via Email, Pochettino's US Confirms 26-Man World Cup Squad OSEN = Reporter Jung Seung-woo Manager Mauricio Pochettino has unveiled the final 26-man squad for the U.S. national team participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Host nation U.S. aims for its best performance in history, led by a squad centered on European-based players.
Mauricio Pochettino hits back at World Cup accusation as stars cut via email
US Men's National Team boss Mauricio Pochettino hit back at criticism over informing players whether or not they had made the final 26-man FIFA World Cup roster via an emailed video, as US legend Landon Donovan admitted he would have preferred a direct phone call
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
