Who are the biggest surprises and snubs from the USA's World Cup squad?

As with any of the squads that have been revealed for this summer's tournament, there are some selections in the USA roster that may raise some eyebrows. Alternatively, there are some players left off of Pochettino's squad that will be cause for conversation, as the coach had to make some hard decisions to put together the team he feels will have the best chance at succeeding on home turf.

Here, DAZN News runs the rule over some of the biggest surprises - and the biggest snubs - from the USMNT boss.

SURPRISE: Cristian Roldan

Roldan has been a good soldier for the USMNT and has enjoyed a resurgence under Pochettino, but the Americans have a number of players who offer what the Seattle Sounders midfielder does — at a higher level, as well.

It's hard to envision Roldan earning much playing time this summer, barring a major injury crisis in the squad.

SNUB: Tanner Tessmann

Tessman had been a mainstay under Pochettino in the lead-up to this World Cup, so to see him left off the final squad is stunning.

Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images

The 24-year-old made 41 appearances in all competitons for Lyon this season and is versatile enough to play a number of different positions on the field, which should have made him a shoo-in for this roster. Instead, Tessman will be waching the tournament on TV with the rest of us.

SURPRISE: Giovanni Reyna

Based on talent alone, Reyna's inclusion is far from surprising. However, the issue around the now 23-year-old has never been about his skill — Reyna is one of the most naturally gifted players of this USMNT generation and has amassed a wealth of experience at a high level despite his still relatively young age.

What has dogged the midfielder is his health, as he's rarely been fit enough to put together prolonged stretches of games for his various clubs. Additionally, Reyna's mentality has come into question throughout his career, leading to a struggle for playing time no matter where he's been located.

To Reyna's credit, he's mostly been able to shake those issues aside when wearing U.S. colours, but his effort has been called into question by previous USMNT coaches, most notably Gregg Berhalter four years ago, and it's on him to show that he has moved past the attitude issues of his youth.

SNUB: Diego Luna

Luna has been one of the faces of the American program during Pochettino's time as head coach, and it seemed like the Real Salt Lake star's spot in the World Cup squad was assured.

The 22-year-old played a whopping 17 times for the USMNT in 2025, missing just one match for Pochettino's side last year. He's also been featured prominently in marketing for the team, indicating that his place was not in doubt.

However, a muscle issue may have undone Luna's dreams of representing his country at a home World Cup, as there seems to be no other reason why he'd suddenly be dropped from the squad at the most inopportune time.

SURPRISE: Miles Robinson

The sheer number of centre backs included in the U.S. squad seems like a lot, and it may be the reason why Robinson has punched his ticket to the World Cup.

Pochettino may be planning to play with three central defenders at a time, necessitating the need to include more players capable of slotting into that position. It's puzzling though, because the Americans had been utilizing a four-at-the-back formation in recent friendlies, with Robinson nailed to the bench in favour of other options.

John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images

Whatever the reason, Robinson is likely feeling fortunate right now given how others have passed him on the depth chart.

SNUB: Aidan Morris

It's been a rough week for the Middlesbrough man, who was a prominent part of the losing side in the EFL Championship play-off final over the weekend and now finds himself on the outside looking in for the World Cup.

Morris was never likely to be a starter under Pochettino had he been selected, but with the USA only bringing four central midfielders it seems as though a potential change in formation has gone against the former Columbus Crew homegrown player.

Given how much pressure will be on the Americans' shoulders at home this summer, Morris' recent experience in playing in big matches could have been an asset. Pochettino seemingly disagrees, however, and Morris will have to wait at least four more years to fulfill his World Cup dreams.

​ DAZN/FIFA

Watch World Cup archive, highlights and documentaries for FREE on DAZN

DAZN is the home of FIFA+, a vast library of football on-demand content including World Cup archive, iconic documentaries, player profiles, live matches and both full match replays and highlights.

Watch it all for FREE on DAZN on smart TVs, phones, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles and web browsers.