Mumbai, March 2: Major League Soccer (MLS) has significantly impacted the U.S. World Cup efforts since its inception 30 years ago. As the countdown begins, with coach Mauricio Pochettino set to announce the 26-man roster in less than three months, several MLS players are in contention for a spot.
Pochettino has consistently emphasized that playing in MLS will not hinder a player’s chances. Performance at both club and international levels will weigh heavily in his selections.
While the majority of the World Cup squad is expected to come from European leagues, the MLS contingent is making a strong case.
New York City goalkeeper Matt Freese has established himself as a top contender since his international debut last June. He has started and performed well in the last 12 matches of 2025. Matt Turner from New England, the starter in the 2022 World Cup, is likely to remain the primary backup. Patrick Schulte from Columbus and Chris Brady from Chicago are also vying for a spot in the goalkeeper lineup.
Columbus wing back Max Arfsten, 24, emerged as a strong candidate last year, matching Freese with 13 starts and proving capable of filling in for the often-injured Antonee Robinson.
In defense, center back Tim Ream appears to be a lock for the roster, although at 38, he showed vulnerabilities during Charlotte FC’s recent 3-0 loss to the LA Galaxy. Ream played every minute in the 2022 World Cup and is expected to provide experience and leadership for younger players.
Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, 24, was a standout in 2025, showcasing his skills in set pieces and tenacity. Although his spot isn’t guaranteed, it would be surprising if Pochettino overlooked him. Diego Luna, 22, from Real Salt Lake, also made a strong impression last year, contributing four goals and four assists in 17 appearances. However, a knee injury may jeopardize his participation in training camp.
Seattle’s Cristian Roldan, 30, is regarded as a “glue guy,” providing wisdom and strength in the locker room. He scored in Seattle’s recent match against Real Salt Lake.
Other players in contention include Miles Robinson from Cincinnati, Tristan Blackmon from Vancouver, Luca de la Torre from Charlotte, and forward Josh Sargent, who recently transferred to Toronto from Norwich City.
In Europe, striker Haji Wright continues to shine with Coventry City, scoring in a recent match and contributing to the team’s promotion push. Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic from AC Milan is struggling to find the net, having gone nine matches without a goal.
As the World Cup approaches, the competition intensifies, and the spotlight is on MLS players as they strive for a place on the U.S. national team.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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