Breaking down what USMNT’s 2030 World Cup roster could look like
The United States' 4-1 loss to Belgium in the 2026 World Cup ends its automatic qualification streak and prompts a look ahead to the 2030 tournament. Analysts project a roster that blends a few holdovers from 2026, such as Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi, with a wave of younger talent. The composition of the 2030 squad will also depend on whether Mauricio Pochettino remains as head coach or a new manager takes over.
- ▪The 2030 World Cup will be hosted across Morocco, Portugal and Spain, requiring the USMNT to qualify without an automatic berth.
- ▪Potential holdover players include goalkeeper Chris Brady, defenders Alex Freeman and Chris Richards, and midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, all projected to be in their early 30s by 2030.
- ▪Forwards Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi are expected to remain key attacking options, while players like Matt Freese and Matt Turner are unlikely to make the squad.
- ▪The decision on whether Pochettino stays or a new coach is appointed will shape the balance between veteran presence and emerging talent.
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World Cup 2026 Soccer Breaking down what USMNT’s 2030 World Cup roster could look like By Michael Duarte Published July 9, 2026, 10:35 p.m. ET (function() { var overlay = document.getElementById("nyp-player-lcp-overlay"); if (!overlay) { return; } function hideOverlay() { overlay.remove(); } function afterDCL() { requestAnimationFrame(hideOverlay); } if (document.readyState === "loading") { document.addEventListener("DOMContentLoaded", afterDCL, { once: true }); } else { afterDCL(); } })(); See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The New York Post on Google The United States’ 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 didn’t just end their run in the 2026 World Cup. It slammed shut a chapter in U.S. Soccer’s history while simultaneously cracking open another.
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