Pulisic, McKennie lead US World Cup squad

Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic were among 26 players named in the United States squad on Tuesday for the FIFA World Cup.

Bukayo Saka (L) of England vies with Christian Pulisic of the United States during the Group B match in the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, Qatar, Nov. 25, 2022. (Xinhua/Li Ming)

The 26-man roster for the June 11-July 19 tournament also included Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, Marseille forward Tim Weah and Monaco forward Folarin Balogun.

"We are confident this is the best group of 26 players to help us achieve success at the World Cup," manager Mauricio Pochettino said.

"This group is very focused and ready to give everything they have to represent the United States and deliver performances that will make the fans and the country proud."

The tournament co-hosts will begin their Group D campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12 before facing Australia in Seattle and Türkiye in Los Angeles.

One of the most surprising names on the list was Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady, who became the first uncapped player selected for a U.S. World Cup squad since Juergen Sommer in 1994.

Among those to miss out were Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann and Real Salt Lake midfielder Diego Luna.

Thirteen of the players selected were also part of the United States' squad at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

This year's expanded 48-team tournament will also feature matches in Mexico and Canada.

"It's a great opportunity for everyone on the roster and also for the fans who maybe don't know a lot about soccer here in America to feel the passion," McKennie said at an event to mark the squad's unveiling in New York.

"I hope that we can make people fall in love with the game here and maybe be able to etch our names in the history books."