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Clint Dempsey has had the privilege of representing the United States in three World Cup tournaments, and there may have been times during all three when questions about the roster came up when it was revealed before the tournament.
The same is true of this year’s 2026 USMNT team, whose official roster was unveiled Tuesday in Manhattan. The display not only confirmed previous reports about what the squad would look like, but Mauricio Pochettino’s first World Cup squad has led to some protection from the coach already.
Dempsey, speaking to Fox News Digital while highlighting his work as an advisor to global health leader Abbott’s Dream Team alongside Real Madrid, admitted that the USMNT roster comes as a surprise.
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Clint Dempsey looks on before the Concacaf Nations League semifinal match between the United States and Panama at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on March 20, 2025. (Omar Vega/Getty Images)
“It’s definitely something amazing,” he said. “It looks like we have a heavy defense, especially in that right back area. But look, I’m not picking this team. I still think this team can do very well, but you’re going to need big players from people like Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic and [Falorin] The Balogun. I’m not saying that there aren’t other forwards who can play with other players, but for me, those players jumped out at me.”
Dempsey pointed to two players some were surprised to see left out – Diego Luna and Tanner Tessman – for whom he naturally “feels bad”. However, Dempsey will not discount what has been brought to the table by others who have made their first World Cup rosters.
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“You look at the other players who have come in. Shout out [Alex] Zendejas, how well he played at Club América. That left foot he has, his finishing skills, but also his ability to assist and hit balls with that left foot. He scored a really good goal against Japan in one of their friendlies.
“I think the surprise for some people would be Gio [Reyna]but if you look at his form with the national team, it is very high in terms of his production level and what he gives to this team.”
It’s rare for a roster to change before FIFA’s June 1 deadline, which means this is the 26-man squad Pochettino believes in, and this will be the right team to represent their country on home soil during the World Cup.
The United States Men’s National Team poses during the announcement of the 2026 World Cup roster in New York on May 26, 2026. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP)
Dempsey said he used to pray before bed as a child to wear the Stars and Stripes on his World Cup jersey, and was able to do so more than once. But to play in front of his country, Dempsey is now praying for the team to get off to a hot start against Paraguay to open their Group D match on June 12 in Los Angeles.
“I think I’m off to a good start, get the fans behind them like you saw in the Winter Olympics with the men’s and women’s hockey teams. I’m sure there are other examples I can draw from, but for me, that’s something I didn’t really notice unless I looked inside. I hope that’s something they can connect with these fans and create that 12th man.” What he needs to push.
ABBOTT DREAM TEAM
For the second year in a row, Dempsey is helping Abbott and Real Madrid with the “Abbott Dream Team,” a program that encourages young soccer players ages 18-19 across the US to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime development with one of the world’s best soccer clubs in Madrid.
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Selected participants will train with Real Madrid coaches at the club’s facilities, while enjoying unique experiences such as attending a match at the Bernabéu Stadium and meeting club legends. Real Madrid’s medical team will continue to provide those players with the latest advances in health and nutrition, helping them better understand their bodies, develop healthy habits and achieve maximum performance on and off the field.
“It’s amazing, man. Anytime you can give back and give kids a chance to chase their dreams, that’s what it’s all about,” Dempsey said of his role in this. “I have my children, and that’s what I’m trying to do. I’m trying to help them achieve their dreams, take them to all their football practices, and give them the best chance to do something good. This is one of those things where you have a tryout, you have the coaches of Real Madrid here watching you, and no matter what, you take something from this experience.
Former soccer player and TV personality Clint Dempsey attends the CONCACAF Nations League Championship final between Panama and Mexico at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on March 23, 2025. (Omar Vega/Getty Images)
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“Just being here, let me [the players] I know this is important, and I’m proud of them for betting on themselves and putting themselves out there to try something like this.”
In addition to Dempsey, Real Madrid legend Marcelo will also join this year’s Abbott Dream Team as a mentor.
Tryouts have already been held in Miami, Washington, DC and Houston, where Dempsey was on Wednesday morning. There are still tryouts set for Kansas City (June 2), Los Angeles (June 4) and Chicago (June 9).
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