Alejandro Zendejas has been named to the United States' 26-man World Cup squad, while Tanner Tessmann has been omitted, according to the roster obtained by the Guardian. The selections, confirmed by multiple sources, also include Gio Reyna despite limited playing time at Borussia Mönchengladbach this season.
Reyna, who played only 520 minutes for his club, has been repeatedly backed by head coach Mauricio Pochettino. His inclusion comes after a turbulent 2022 World Cup where he was nearly sent home for behavioural issues, and subsequent public disputes involving his parents and former coach Gregg Berhalter.
Sebastian Berhalter, son of the former coach, also makes the cut. The 25-year-old Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder, who never played for US youth teams, earned his place after a standout MLS season, including a spot in the Best XI and a run to the MLS Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup final. He also provides a dead-ball specialist role.
Diego Luna, a breakout star with four goals in 17 appearances this year, was left out despite frequent praise from Pochettino. The 22-year-old has been dealing with knee and muscular issues but was expected to be included. His Real Salt Lake teammate Zavier Gozo, uncapped at senior level, was also omitted.
Tessmann's absence may be injury-related after a muscle strain two weeks ago. Aidan Morris and Johnny Cardoso also miss out, leaving only four central or defensive midfielders: Weston McKennie, Sebastian Berhalter, Cristian Roldan, and Tyler Adams. The defence, however, has been bolstered to ten players.
