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FIFA World Cup 2026
GROUP STAGE
Group A
Group B
Group C
Group D
Group E
Group F
Group G
Group H
Group I
Group J
Group K
Group L
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26 Players Called to Represent U.S. in the 2026 World Cup
The United States roster brings together experience, youth, MLS talent, European-based stars, and a group ready to represent the nation on the biggest soccer stage.
Note: The roster will not become official until it is submitted to FIFA. The deadline for all teams to submit their final squads is June 1. Once the U.S. list is submitted, injured players can be replaced on the roster until 24 hours before the USA’s opening match against Paraguay.
“We are confident this is the best group of 26 players to help us achieve success at the World Cup,” Pochettino said. “This group is very focused and ready to give everything they have to represent the United States and deliver performances that will make the fans and the country proud.”
Goalkeepers
Chris Brady
Matt Freese
Matt Turner
Defenders
Max Arfsten
Sergiño Dest
Alex Freeman
Mark McKenzie
Tim Ream
Chris Richards
Antonee Robinson
Miles Robinson
Joe Scally
Auston Trusty
Midfielders
Tyler Adams
Sebastian Berhalter
Weston McKennie
Gio Reyna
Cristian Roldan
Malik Tillman
Forwards
Brenden Aaronson
Folarin Balogun
Ricardo Pepi
Christian Pulisic
Tim Weah
Haji Wright
Alejandro Zendejas
Roster Breakdown
- Players represent clubs in 10 different countries: USA/Canada – MLS, England, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Mexico, Scotland and Spain.
- Players represent hometowns in 12 different states: New York, California, Pennsylvania, Texas, New Jersey, Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri and Ohio.
- GOALNEWS takeaway: This roster combines World Cup experience, European competition, MLS rhythm and a new generation ready to carry U.S. soccer forward.
World Cup 2010: USA’s Fighting Spirit in South Africa
The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa was a historic tournament for global soccer. For the United States, it became a story of resilience, late drama and one unforgettable goal by Landon Donovan.
World Cup 2010 Overview
World Cup 2010 was hosted by South Africa, marking the first time the FIFA World Cup was held on the African continent. The tournament brought together 32 national teams and created a powerful celebration of soccer, culture and international unity.
Spain won its first World Cup title after defeating the Netherlands 1–0 in the final. Andrés Iniesta scored the winning goal in extra time, giving Spain a historic championship and confirming one of the greatest national team eras in modern soccer.
For GOALNEWS and fans of American soccer, World Cup 2010 is remembered for the United States winning its group, showing strong character and producing one of the most emotional moments in USMNT history.
Quick Facts
Champion
Spain
First World Cup title
Final
Spain 1–0 Netherlands
Iniesta scored in extra time
Golden Boot
Thomas Müller
5 goals and 3 assists
The United States at the 2010 World Cup
The United States arrived at World Cup 2010 with confidence, experience and a strong competitive identity. Head coach Bob Bradley led a team with important names such as Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and Carlos Bocanegra.
The USMNT was placed in Group C with England, Slovenia and Algeria. The group was challenging, but the United States showed determination, tactical discipline and belief in every match.
The opening match against England ended in a 1–1 draw. Clint Dempsey scored for the United States, giving the team an important point against one of the most famous soccer nations in the world.
Against Slovenia, the United States came back from two goals down to draw 2–2. Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley scored in the second half, showing the fighting spirit that defined the American campaign.
In the final group match, the United States needed a goal against Algeria to advance. In stoppage time, Landon Donovan finished a dramatic counterattack and sent the USMNT to the Round of 16 as group winner. It was a moment of pure emotion for American soccer fans.
USA Match Results
| Stage | Match | Result | USA Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | USA vs England | USA 1–1 England | Clint Dempsey scored in a major opening draw |
| Group Stage | USA vs Slovenia | USA 2–2 Slovenia | Second-half comeback with Donovan and Bradley goals |
| Group Stage | USA vs Algeria | USA 1–0 Algeria | Landon Donovan scored a historic stoppage-time winner |
| Round of 16 | USA vs Ghana | USA 1–2 Ghana | Donovan scored, but Ghana advanced after extra time |
USA Stars and Key Players
Landon Donovan
Landon Donovan was the emotional leader and biggest American story of the 2010 World Cup. His late goal against Algeria became one of the most iconic moments in the history of the USMNT. Donovan also scored against Slovenia and Ghana, proving his importance in decisive moments.
Clint Dempsey
Clint Dempsey brought creativity, courage and attacking quality to the United States. His goal against England gave the USMNT an important point and helped set the tone for the campaign.
Tim Howard
Tim Howard was a strong presence in goal and one of the leaders of the team. His quick distribution helped create the counterattack that led to Donovan’s historic goal against Algeria.
Michael Bradley
Michael Bradley played with energy and confidence in midfield. His goal against Slovenia completed a dramatic comeback and showed the determination of the American team.
Jozy Altidore
Jozy Altidore gave the United States physical presence and movement in attack. His work created space and helped the team compete against strong defensive opponents.
Top Scorers of the 2010 World Cup
The 2010 World Cup had a balanced scoring race, with several players finishing on five goals. Thomas Müller won the Golden Boot because of assists and overall contribution, becoming one of Germany’s breakout stars.
| Player | Country | Goals | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Müller | Germany | 5 | Golden Boot winner with goals and assists |
| David Villa | Spain | 5 | Key scorer in Spain’s title run |
| Wesley Sneijder | Netherlands | 5 | Led the Netherlands to the final |
| Diego Forlán | Uruguay | 5 | Golden Ball winner and tournament standout |
| Gonzalo Higuaín | Argentina | 4 | Argentina’s leading scorer in the tournament |
Major Highlights of the Tournament
Spain’s First World Cup Title
Spain won its first FIFA World Cup title with a style based on possession, patience and technical quality. The final victory over the Netherlands confirmed Spain as one of the strongest teams of its generation.
Iniesta’s Historic Final Goal
Andrés Iniesta scored the winning goal in extra time of the final against the Netherlands. His goal became one of the most important moments in Spanish soccer history.
South Africa Makes History
World Cup 2010 was the first FIFA World Cup hosted in Africa. The tournament created a unique atmosphere and gave fans around the world a memorable celebration of soccer culture.
The USA Wins Group C
The United States finished first in Group C ahead of England, Slovenia and Algeria. The late goal by Landon Donovan against Algeria became the defining moment of the American campaign.
Why World Cup 2010 Matters to American Soccer
For the United States, World Cup 2010 was a major moment in the growth of American soccer. The team showed resilience, belief and the ability to compete under pressure on the global stage.
Landon Donovan’s goal against Algeria became a symbol of hope and pride for U.S. soccer fans. It was not just a goal. It was a moment that showed how deeply soccer could connect with American sports culture.
Even though the campaign ended against Ghana in the Round of 16, the 2010 World Cup remains one of the most memorable tournaments for the USMNT. As the United States prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026, the spirit of 2010 continues to inspire fans and players.
GOALNEWS Remembers the USA’s 2010 World Cup Journey
From the draw against England to Donovan’s unforgettable goal against Algeria, World Cup 2010 remains one of the most emotional chapters in U.S. soccer history.
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