NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
Clint Dempsey had the honor of representing the United States in three World Cups, and there were likely times during all three when questions arose about the lineup when it was revealed before the tournament.
The same goes for this year’s 2026 USMNT team, which had its official roster revealed Tuesday in Manhattan. The performance not only confirmed earlier reports of what the squad would look like, but manager Mauricio Pochettino’s first World Cup squad has already led to some defense from the coach.
Dempsey, speaking to Pakinomist Digital while highlighting his work as a mentor to global health leader Abbott’s Dream Team with Real Madrid, admitted that this USMNT roster comes with some surprise.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Clint Dempsey looks on before the Concacaf Nations League semifinal match between the United States and Panama at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on March 20, 2025. (Omar Vega/Getty Images)
“There are definitely some surprises,” he said. “It looks like we have a defensive-heavy roster, especially at the right-back position. But look, I’m not the one picking this team. I still think this team can do really well, but you’re going to need some big performances from the likes of Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic and [Falorin] Balogun. Not to say there aren’t other strikers who can contribute and other players, but for me those players jump off the list for me.”
Dempsey pointed to two players others were shocked to see out — Diego Luna and Tanner Tessman — who he said you obviously “feel bad” about. However, Dempsey isn’t going to discredit what others who made their first World Cup roster bring to the table.
USMNT ROSTER TAKES SHAPE UNDER MAURICIO POCHETTINO AS WE PREPARE TO HOST WORLD CUP: REPORTS
“You look at other players that came in. Shoutout to [Alex] Zendejas, how well he has played at Club América. The left foot he has, his finishing skills, but also his ability to assist and whip balls in with his left foot. He scored a very good goal against Japan in one of their friendlies.
“I think a surprise for some people might be Gio [Reyna]but if you look at his form with the national team, it’s up there in terms of his production rate and what he brings to this team.”
It is rare for the list to change before FIFA’s June 1 deadline, meaning this is the 26-man squad Pochettino believes will be the group privileged to represent their country on home soil at the World Cup.
The US men’s national team poses during the announcement of the 2026 World Cup in New York on May 26, 2026. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP)
Dempsey said he used to pray before bed as a child that he would wear the Stars and Stripes on his jersey in a World Cup, and he was able to do so more than once. But to play in front of your home country, Dempsey is now praying for the team to get off to a hot start against Paraguay to kick off their Group D play on June 12 in Los Angeles.
“I think just get going, get the fan base behind you like what you saw at the Winter Olympics with the men’s and women’s hockey teams. I’m sure there are other examples I could draw on, but for me it’s something that I’ve definitely noticed from the outside looking in. Hopefully it’s something they can connect with those fans and create that 12th man need to push you together in the big moment,” he said.
ABBOTT’S DREAM TEAM
For the second year in a row, Dempsey is helping Abbott and Real Madrid with the “Abbott Dream Team,” a program that encourages young soccer players ages 18-19 across the United States to participate in a unique development experience with one of the best soccer clubs in the world in Madrid.
ALEXI LALAS DOESN’T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT TEAM USA PRESS DURING HOME WC: ‘CRY ME A RIVER’
Selected participants will train with Real Madrid coaches at the team’s facilities while enjoying unique experiences such as attending a match at the Bernabéu Stadium and meeting some team legends. Real Madrid’s medical team will also continue to provide these players with the latest advances in sports health and nutrition, helping them better understand their bodies, build healthier habits and reach their peak performance on and off the pitch.
“It’s great, man. Anytime you can give back and give kids the opportunity to chase their dreams, that’s what it’s all about,” Dempsey said of his role in this. “I have my own children and that’s what I try to do. I try to help them achieve their dreams, take them to all their football training sessions and give them the best possible chance to do something great. This is one of those things where you have a trial period, you have Real Madrid coaches here watching you and whatever, you take something away from this experience.
Former soccer player and TV pundit Clint Dempsey attends the CONCACAF Nations League Championship final between Panama and Mexico at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on March 23, 2025. (Omar Vega/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pakinomist APP
“Just being here and pretending [the players] know this is important and I’m proud of them for betting on themselves and putting themselves out there to try something like this themselves.”
In addition to Dempsey, Real Madrid legend Marcelo will also join this year’s Abbott Dream Team as a mentor.
Rehearsals have already taken place in Miami, Washington, DC and Houston, where Dempsey was Wednesday morning. There are still tryouts for Kansas City (June 2), Los Angeles (June 4) and Chicago (June 9).
