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The United States men’s national team’s 26-man roster for the 2022 FIFA World Cup is officially out after coach Gregg Berhalter released the team in an event last week in New York. With Wales, England and Iran on the schedule, the pressure is on for the national team to erase the lows of the eight-year wait to return to the tournament and build off of the highs we’ve seen with domestic success over Mexico.
Notable names left off include goalkeeper Zack Steffen and 19-year-old striker Ricardo Pepi. We brought news that Steffen would be left off the list the night before the big reveal. Here’s a look at the five biggest snubs from the finalized roster.
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Let’s get to know the 26 players one by one that will board on the plane to Qatar for this month’s tournament — and while you’re at it, sign up for our new newsletter covering the beautiful game in all its glory, including daily updates about the World Cup, here.
Goalkeepers
What to know: A late bloomer who parlayed success in MLS into a move to English giants Arsenal. He’s calm, doesn’t offer up many blunders, and that composure he has is critical, especially when defending corner kicks.
What to know: A surprise inclusion who is praised for his shot-stopping ability and how he can control the ball with his feet to avoid trouble, Johnson has the potential to start but likely finds himself as a backup.
What to know: Nations League hero back in the fold after his move to Nottingham Forest did not pain out. A quiet presence but oozes confidence. Likely a backup or third goalkeeper, but he could easily start.
Defenders
What to know: Rediscovered himself at Celtic. Despite injury concerns, he is a stout defender whose physicality could be quite valuable, especially defending set pieces.
What to know: One of the team’s biggest names, Dest is a player with so much talent but little production to back it up. A failed move at Barcelona sees him now at AC Milan, and that hasn’t gone much better. A likely starter but a huge weak spot on the team.
What to know: He might just get the starting nod next to Zimmerman out of default with no other options emerging for Berhalter. Good in the air but can get twisted like a pretzel when trying to defend a top technical dribbler.
What to know: Moore is a guy who revived his career in MLS with Nashville SC, and he has a ton of potential. He’s quick, he’s smart, and he gives a ton of effort defensively. He’ll be used primarily as a depth piece in defense, but he’s one who certainly earned his spot over the last couple months.
What to know: Ream is a veteran presence — the elder statesman of the squad — who should always have been included at the end of the day. He lacks pace, but he makes up for it with his effort and aggression. Plus, he plays club ball next to starting left-back Antonee Robinson at Fulham, so there is natural chemistry there.
What to know: The Fulham fullback is far and away the best option at left back, and he was always going to be included, barring injury. He really doesn’t have anybody breathing down his neck, so the position is his. Berhalter value’s the impact that he can make in attack, especially when letting Tyler Adams sit deeper in the middle to cover.
What to know: Promising young defender who embraces a challenge. Barely used under Berhalter, but he’s young and with his entire career ahead of him. If he’s starting a game in Qatar, then something has gone wrong.
What to know: The heart and soul of the defense, the Nashville SC defender is a sure starter if healthy. There haven’t been really any injury concerns, and he can also contribute on attacking set pieces.
Midfielders
What to know: The wild card in this team. With the potential to start or be a super sub, he’s going to have his chance to make a splash in Qatar. Technical, smart and fast, you can make a case that he’s the most important player in attack after Pulisic.
What to know: Fresh off winning MLS Cup 2022 with LAFC, scoring in the final with a deflected free kick. Not a starter unless Adams is unavailable, he is a trusted veteran who can be key in delivering set pieces into dangerous spots.
What to know: The captain of the midfield, Adams is the engine of the team both defensively and in attack. With the role of organizing those around him and playing lateral passes to get the attack going, he has no proper replacement in this side. A intracle part of this team.
What to know: A backup option in the midfield who hasn’t even played a full game in minutes since moving to Celta Vigo. Has dealt with an injury for the tournament as well. A quality piece who can help create in attack if the midfield isn’t creating enough danger.
What to know: You can argue that McKennie is the team’s most important player. Playing in a box-to-box role under Berhalter, he can do a bit of everything. Growing into a menace in the air, he’s needed just as much as any other player on this team.
What to know: The newest, most exciting piece for the national team over the last couple years, viewed as a midfielder who can help escape pressure and generate in attack. He’s getting a ton of minutes at Valencia, and while the performances haven’t been consistent, he does not lack in confidence. A sure starter.
What to know: MLS veteran and a depth piece for years with the national team. Performances have not been overly convincing, but he brings versatility after playing some as a winger this season.
Forwards
What to know: The likely starter at striker due to his fine season with FC Dallas in MLS with 18 goals. He’s been the most consistent player in attack all season and will likely get his shot to lead the front line in the opener against Wales.
What to know: MLS veteran and long a trusted player for Berhalter. Would be shocked to see him start and go a full 90, but his energy and ability to put himself in dangerous spots are key. He’s a workhorse.
What to know: The biggest name on the team, and he should be fresh due to backup role at Chelsea. He is hungry for minutes, and he should play every single one for this team in Qatar. He is the best player in attack and will be tasked with both scoring and creating for an attack that lacks ideas.
What to know: Viewed as the best talent in the national team pool by some (including me), Reyna’s big issue is staying healthy. But when healthy, he’s a fantastic talent who has the vision and technique to change a game. His lack of minutes for the team may impact his role, but his club form has been strong leading up to the cup.
What to know: Sargent’s career appeared to be headed on a downward spiral at Norwich City. He was lacking confidence and scored just four goals in 28 games this season. But eight goals in 19 games this campaign sees him getting hot at just the right moment, and that form is what earned him the call-up.
What to know: Another one of those talented attackers who has struggled to stay healthy, but he’s been good for Lille this season and even recently played at wingback. He’s somebody that came on late in qualifying and may have just earned a starting role in Qatar.
What to know: Haji Wright’s name started to garner some steam on Wednesday, and in the end, he was the guy chosen over Ricardo Pepi in attack. And, well, it makes sense. No American striker in Europe has been playing better. He’s got nine goals in 12 games for Turkish side Antalyaspor and will push for minutes in Qatar. He’s got a big frame, he can hold up the ball well, and most importantly, he’s got the confidence.
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