Mauricio Pochettino has made his decision on the 26 players who will represent the United States at the 2026 World Cup.A tournament across the US, Canada and Mexico promises to be the biggest the world has ever seen is just weeks away – and on Tuesday the United States became the latest team to unveil their roster.talkSPORT's USMNT correspondent Ben Jacobs“Mauricio Pochettino has seemingly admitted Tanner Tessmann to choose an extra defender, he is actually taking 10 with him to this home tournament.That might be an indication that he is leaning at least in some games towards a back three over a back four and three center backs if Tim Ream, one of them selected who offers a bit more protection.“Pochettino has got a lot of depth in terms of versatile attackers, he has a number of defenders but the big question is going to be in that center of midfield, can he get the chemistry right and if he doesn’t, there will be a fair amount of scrutiny on the decision to omit Tessmann.What the announcement lacked in surprises – thanks to a widely reported leak on Saturday night – it made up for in emotion and Lower Manhattan glamor from it’s chosen venue.There was typical New York razzmatazz, a star-studded guest list and a 3,500 crowd packed into The Rooftop at Pier 17 for a roster reveal that comes ahead of final warm up games against Germany and Senegal.12 of the squad will be making their World Cup debut, including influential defender Chris Richards, currently battling an ankle injury and Monaco striker Folarin Balogun .Eight of the squad play their football in the MLS – including all three goalkeeping options with Matt Freese and Matt Turner expected to battle it out for the starting spot.Five outfield members of the squad play in the MLSAs expected Diego Luna and Gonzalo Zago were overlooked as Pochettino opted for more experienced names, while the absence of Tanner Tessmann does leave questions in a key area of the field, as talkSPORT’s USMNT correspondent Ben Jacobs explains.“The biggest omission from the squad is Tanner Tessmann, the midfielder had started the last six games for USMNT and doesn’t make the 26,” Jacobs says.“That creates an interesting debate as to the depth that the U.S. will have at the center of the park and in particular, who is going to be the partner of Tyler Adams. “One the one hand, Weston McKennie could be a natural partner and the two of them feed off each other very well, yet McKennie prefers to play in a more advanced position and given the struggles of Christian Pulisic in scoring goals for his country.“There may be a logic to allow McKennie more freedom leading to another partner further behind next to Adams with the Bournemouth midfielder so important now he is fit for USMNT.”The former Tottenham, Chelsea and PSG coach has favored a 4-2-3-1 system but after a couple of poor friendly performances against Portugal and BelgiumUSMNT will need Pulisic firing if they’re to go far in the tournamenttalksportDoes Tessman absence offer formation clue?An injury to Richards of Crystal Palace has caused concern that defensive options may be in short supply.While the experience of Tim Ream offers a certain presence, it could also leave the backline vulnerable to pace and Pochettino’s squad may have opened the door to a change in formation.“Mauricio Pochettino has seemingly admitted Tessmann to choose an extra defender, he is actually taking 10 with him to this home tournament,” Jacobs adds.“That might be an indication that he is leaning at least in some games towards a back three over a back four and three center backs if Tim Ream, one of them selected, offers a bit more protection.“The good news is that Chris Richards – who is one of the first names on the teamsheet – is fit despite picking up a knock with Crystal Palace. The expectation is that he will be okay for the first game against Paraguay.“Then, it’s a case whether Pochettino, having seen the frailties in the March international break, particularly in the defeat to Belgium where they conceded five decides to have that one extra defender in the hope he can also get the best out of his fullbacks particularly Antonee Robinson or alternatively sticks with a back four, it’s another really interesting plotline to watch.Countdown to the World Cup104 Super Bowls in six weeks – Brian T Smith argues that the Super Bowl might just be about to be blown out of the waterRanking the World Cup venues – from New York to Los Angeles, a string of spectacular venues will play host to the 2026 World CupOver and Elbowed Out – exclusive interview with the USMNT hero whose 1994 World Cup ended with a fractured skullChris Richards Exclusive – the Crystal Palace defender opens up on his journey to the top, next stop a home World Cup for the kid from Birmingham, Alabama“What we know is that the No.1 goalkeeper will be a Matt. Either Matt Turner or Matt Freese who both got opportunities in the international break, Pochettino has kept his cards close to his chest on that one.Attacking options crucial in search for goalsIn attack, where Brad Friedel – who played in three World Cups – told talkSPORT who he would chose to spearhead the chase for goals, Jacobs believes the search for balance is all important.Captain Christian Pulisic seems certain to be in the starting eleven, despite his inconsistent displays, while Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman, Gio Reyna, Timothy Weah could all offer some some stardust.But one man’s role is key as the US aim to continue, and improve on their recent record at the knockout stage.“Further forward Folarin Balogun will lead the line, no surprise there, he is exactly the kind of profile that Pochettino relishes but he will need some support and some difference makers around him,” Jacobs adds.“That’s perhaps why it might be more prudent to allow Weston McKennie that freer role.“Pochettino has also picked Gio Reyna and Ricardo Pepi each of them on their day can be magical and I think he will see both of those as impact players.“Alejandro Zendejas also got picked after an excellent season, and he is another player that can be full of goal-contributions as well.“Maybe the only surprise is no Diego Luna because he is in strong form.”Brad Friedel has picked the team he would start the US World Cup adventure withThe US kick off their campaign in Group D and from their base in Irvine, California will be based on the West Coast for the start of the tournament.Two of the three games will take place in Los Angeles, at SoFi Stadium the home of the LA Rams, beginning with the game against Paraguay on June 12.A trip up the Pacific Coast to Seattle to face Australia on June 19 follows, with the group stage finishing on June 25 against Turkey, back in Inglewood.Depending on their finishing position, they could find themselves in Santa Clara if they top the group, or Dallas of they finish second.A third place finish would bring about the jeopardy of not knowing where they would play next, although it would be one of Boston, New York and Kansas City depending on the final rankings.USMNT 2026 World Cup squad Goalkeepers – Chris Brady (Chicago Fire) Matt Freese (New York City), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)Defenders – Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergiño Dest (PSV), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic)Midfield – Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Tyler Adams (AFC Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Christian Pulisic (Milan), Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Tim Weah (Marseille), Alejandro Zendejas (Club América)Attack – Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Hadji Wright (Coventry City)Stay up to date on all things USMNT across our talkSPORT platforms – subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest news, opinion, exclusive interviews and our daily unfiltered, unscripted show ‘The S* Word, from 8am ET.All 104 games at the 2026 World Cup this summer will be live on talkSPORT, talkSPORT 2 and the talkSPORT app.