USMNT rumors: Insider reports 2 MLS stars told they are off World Cup squad

The official announcement of the USMNT 2026 World Cup roster doesn’t come out until Tuesday, May 26, but the names of players who made the cut—and those who didn’t—are starting to leak out. Real Salt Lake starlet Zavier Gozo is one of the players informed he will not be on the team, according to MLS and USMNT insider Tom Bogert. That’s not a huge shock. However, his MLS teammate Diego Luna is reportedly also not in the squad, and that is a surprise.

In addition to reporting that Luna and Gozo will not be on the World Cup roster, The Athletic’s insider also revealed that forwards Gio Reyna and Brenden Aaronson, midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, center back Mark McKenzie, and goalkeeper Matt Turner will be on the team.

Luna has been a fixture on the wing and at attacking midfielder since the Gold Cup for the USMNT, so it’s notable that Mauricio Pochettino is not including him in the squad. Since he is one of the only true wingers in contention for a spot on this roster, his lack of inclusion suggests that Poch is going to be truly dedicated to a 3-4-2-1 formation as opposed to a 4-3-3.

The MLS winger likely lost one of the last USMNT World Cup roster spots to Reyna, who is incredibly talented but has struggled with his attitude on the national team and to get playing time in Germany at Borussia Mönchengladbach.

As for the rest of the players mentioned by Bogert, their status was expected. Turner was the starting U.S. keeper for the last World Cup. Aaronson is in good form in England and a quality, versatile option off the bench. Mark McKenzie is one of the only options for quality center back depth, and Berhalter has been one of Poch’s favorite midfielders since he took over.

As for Gozo, the 19-year-old has an incredibly bright future both professionally and with the national team, but he’s not quite ready yet.

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