Clint Dempsey had the honor of representing the United States in three , and there were likely times during all three where questions about the roster came about once it was revealed before the tournament.
The same goes for this years 2026 USMNT squad, which had their in Manhattan. The spectacle not only confirmed previous reports about what the squad would look like, but manager Mauricio Pochettinos first World Cup team led to some defense from the coach already.
Dempsey, speaking to Fox News Digital while highlighting his work as a mentor for global health leader Abbotts Dream Team alongside Real Madrid, admitted this USMNT roster comes with some surprise.
“Theres definitely some surprises,” he said. “It looks like we do have a defensive-heavy roster, especially in that right back position. But look, Im not the one selecting this team. I still think this team can perform really well, but youre going to need some big performances from people like Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic and [Falorin] Balogun. Not to say theres no other forwards that can contribute and other players, but to me, those players jump off the roster to me.”
Dempsey pointed at two players others were shocked to see left out — â who he said you naturally “feel bad” for. However, Dempsey isnt going to discredit what others who made their first World Cup roster bring to the table.
“You look at other players that got in. Shoutout to [Alex] Zendejas, how well hes played at Club América. That left foot he has, his finishing abilities, but also his ability to assist and whip in balls with that left foot. He scored a really good goal against Japan in one of their friendlies.
“I think a surprise for some people may be Gio [Reyna], but if you look at his form with the national team, its up there at the top in terms of his production rate and what he gives to this team.”
Its rare that the roster will change ahead of FIFAs June 1 deadline, meaning this is the 26-man squad that Pochettino believes in, and this will be the group that has the privilege of representing their country on home soil during the World Cup.
Dempsey said he used to pray before bed as a kid that he got to 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 that the team gets off to a hot start against Paraguay to kick off their Group D play on June 12 in Los Angeles.
“I just think get off to a good start, get the fan base behind them like what you saw in the with the mens and womens hockey teams. Im sure there are other examples I could draw from, but to me, thats something that I definitely noticed from the outside looking in. Hopefully thats something they can connect with these fans and create that 12th man. Thats whats need to push you along in big moments,” he said.
THE ABBOTT DREAM TEAM
For the second straight year, Dempsey is helping Abbott and Real Madrid with the “Abbott Dream Team,” a program encouraging young soccer players aged 18-19 throughout the U.S. to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime development experience with one of the best soccer clubs in the world in Madrid.
Selected participants will be training with Real Madrids coaches at the teams facilities, while enjoy unique experiences like attending a match at Bernabéu Stadium and meeting some team legends. Real Madrids medical team will also continue providing those players with the latest advancements in sports heal
