USMNT World Cup squad: Every player competing at Qatar 2022

The USMNT is loaded with young talent as they compete at a World Cup for the first time since 2014. Meet the 26 players called up by coach Gregg Berhalter. 

The USMNT has traveled to Qatar for the World Cup with a young squad, a result of the program’s rebuilding process that was initiated four years ago after failing to qualify for Russia 2018.

After naming his 26-man roster last week, US manager Gregg Berhalter said, “We believe we have a talented group, a strong team spirit and one that is ready to compete. We are extremely proud and honored to represent the United States and appreciate all the amazing support from our fans as we head to Qatar.”

The USMNT will field its youngest squad at a World Cup since 1990 (a team that at the time was loaded with college players), clocking in at an average of about 25.5 years old. The only player on the team with World Cup experience is defender DeAndre Yedlin, who played at Brazil 2014.

The United States have been placed in Group B along with England, Wales and Iran. The US open their World Cup on Nov. 21 against Wales.

Notable absences are goalkeeper Zack Steffen and attacking midfielder Ricardo Pepi. In their places, Berhalter called up Ethan Horvath (who will serve as backup to starter Matt Turner) and Haji Wright, respectively, even though Steffen had started in goal for much of World Cup qualifying and Pepi was seen as a budding star.

Below is a player-by-player look at the US players who will compete at the World Cup.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 1 – Matt Turner

Calm on the ball who recently joined Arsenal from the New England Revolution, Matt Turner is expected to be the team’s starting goalkeeper. Turner has a huge responsibility and large shoes to fill given how essential USMNT goalkeepers have been at past World Cups.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 2 – Serginho Dest

A defender who until recently held a lot of promise, Serginho Dest remains a weak spot in the back.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 3 – Walker Zimmerman

A hulking center back, Walker Zimmerman represents the heart of the US defense. He’s an intimidating presence on the USMNT backline tasked with stopping some of the tournament’s best strikers.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 4 – Tyler Adams

Tyler Adams serves as the team’s midfield engine and a box-to-box player who can track back when needed but also help generate offense.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 5 – Antonee Robinson

A stout defender, Antonee Robinson is probably the best left back the US has had in decades.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 6 – Yunus Musah

An attacking midfielder, Yunus Musah is one of the team’s most creative players and someone who can move the ball upfield and generate offense.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 7 – Gio Reyna

Dogged by injuries, Gio Reyna, the son of former USMNT star Claudio Reyna, is a budding star. If he can stay healthy, expect Reyna to start up top.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 8 – Weston McKennie

Strong in the air, Weston McKennie is a gritty midfielder who has flourished under Berhalter the past few years.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 9 – Jesus Ferreira

Likely to start as one of the team’s three striker, Jesus Ferreira is coming off a great season with FC Dallas following his 18 regular season goals. He is the son of former Colombian star David Ferreira.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 10 – Christian Pulisic

The team’s biggest star, Christian Pulisic has become a benchwarmer at Chelsea, but he’s a starter for the US. The best player on the team who possesses both speed and creativity, Pulisic will be relied upon to score goals.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 11 – Brenden Aaronson

A technical player who could either start or come off the bench, Brenden Aaronson links up well with the team’s regular strikers.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 12 – Ethan Horvath

Expected to serve as Turner’s backup, Ethan Horvath is a great shot-stopper who could start in a big game if called upon.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 13 – Tim Ream

A center back with loads of experience playing abroad, Tim Ream is a veteran who could very well end up starting alongside Zimmerman.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 14 – Luca de la Torre

Another midfield option for Berhalter, Luca de la Torre isn’t likely to start but is an option should injuries plague the team as the tournament wears on.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 15 – Aaron Long

Aaron Long could start alongside Zimmerman in the center back role, although Ream’s inclusion has placed that into doubt.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 16 – Jordan Morris

An MLS vet given his time as a striker with Seattle Sounders FC, Jordan Morris won’t start but can come in late into a game should the US need a goal.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 17 – Christian Roldan

Christian Roldan is a talented winger, but he’s not expected to play a big role since Berhalter has so many attacking options.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 18 – Shaq Moore

Shaq Moore is further down the depth chart in terms of Berhalter’s defenders, but he is quick on the ball and that’s something the US can benefit from should he be called upon.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 19 – Haji Wright

A surprise inclusion into the 26-player squad, Berhalter gambled by calling up Haji Wright instead of Pepi. Wright could serve as a super sub, but don’t be surprised if he starts at some point during this tournament.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 20 – Cameron Carter-Vickers

A hard-nosed defender in the tradition of Alexi Lalas and Marcelo Balboa, Cameron Carter-Vickers can defend set-pieces like no other player on this team.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 21 – Tim Weah

A speedy winger with an ability to put balls into the box, Tim Weah is the son of former Liberian international George Weah.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 22 – DeAndre Yedlin

The only player on the team to have previously played at a World Cup, DeAndre Yedlin will be on the bench this time, but gives the US a veteran presence in practice and in the dressing room.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 23 – Kellyn Acosta

A backup in midfield to Adams, Kellyn Acosta is coming off a great season after helping Los Angeles FC win MLS Cup.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 24 – Josh Sargent

Josh Sargent’s recent form got him back into Berhalter’s good graces, scoring eight goals in 19 games for Norwich City. He could even start given how he performs in camp in the days leading up to the Wales match.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 25 – Sean Johnson

A surprise addition, Sean Johnson, the NYCFC goalkeeper is expected to serve as the third-string.

USMNT World Cup roster: No. 26 – Joe Scally

Joe Scally is a right back, at the moment a backup to Dest, who could see minutes should there be a weakness in that part of field during the group stage.