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Clint Dempsey had the honor of representing the United States in three World Cups, and there were likely moments during all three where questions about the roster arose once it was revealed before the tournament.
The same goes for this year’s USMNT 2026 team, whose official roster was revealed Tuesday in Manhattan. The show not only confirmed previous reports about what the team would look like, but manager Mauricio Pochettino’s first World Cup team has already led to some defending from the coach.
Dempsey, speaking to PK Press Club Digital while highlighting his work as a mentor for global healthcare leader Abbott’s Dream Team alongside Real Madrid, admitted that this USMNT roster was surprising.
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Clint Dempsey looks on before the Concacaf Nations League semifinal between the United States and Panama at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on March 20, 2025. (Omar Vega/Getty Images)
“There are definitely surprises,” he said. “It looks like we have a very defensive team, especially at right back. But look, it’s not me who picks this team. I still think this team can perform very well, but you’ll need big performances from people like Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic and [Falorin] Balogun. That’s not to say there aren’t other strikers or other players who can contribute, but for me those players stand out from the list.”
Dempsey pointed out two players that others were shocked to see left out – Diego Luna and Tanner Tessman – who he said you naturally feel “bad” for. However, Dempsey is not going to discredit what other players who have made their first World Cup caps bring to the table.
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“You look at the other players who came in. Well done to [Alex] Zendejas, how well he played at Club América. That left foot that he has, his finishing abilities, but also his ability to assist and whip balls with that left foot. He scored a very good goal against Japan in one of their friendlies.
“I think a surprise for some people might be Gio [Reyna]but if you look at his form with the national team, he is among the best in terms of production rate and what he gives to this team.
It’s rare for the list to change before FIFA’s June 1 deadline, meaning this is the 26-man squad Pochettino believes in, and it will be the group that gets the privilege of representing his country at home during the World Cup.
The United States men’s national team poses during the 2026 World Cup roster announcement in New York on May 26, 2026. (Timothy A. Clary/AFP)
Dempsey said he used to pray before bed as a child to be able to wear the stars and stripes on his jersey at 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 the team gets off to a strong start against Paraguay to kick off their Group D match on June 12 in Los Angeles.
“I just think you have to get off to a good start, have the fan base behind them, like what you saw in the Winter Olympics with the men’s and women’s hockey teams. I’m sure there are other examples that I could draw inspiration from, but for me, it’s something that I really noticed from the outside. Hopefully it’s something that they can connect with those fans and create that 12th man. That’s what is necessary to push you in the big moments,” he said.
THE ABBOTT DREAM TEAM
For the second year in a row, Dempsey is helping Abbott and Real Madrid with “Abbott Dream Team,” a program encouraging young soccer players ages 18-19 from across the United States to participate in a unique developmental experience at one of the world’s best soccer clubs in Madrid.
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Selected participants will train with Real Madrid coaches at the team’s facilities, while enjoying unique experiences, such as attending a match at the Bernabéu stadium and meeting team legends. Real Madrid’s medical team will also continue to provide these players with the latest advances in health and sports nutrition, helping them better understand their bodies, adopt healthier habits and achieve their best performances on and off the pitch.
“It’s awesome, man. Anytime you can give back and give kids an opportunity to pursue their dreams, that’s what it’s all about,” Dempsey said of his role in the case. “I have kids myself and that’s what I try to do. I try to help them realize their dreams, take them to all their football practices and give them the best possible chance to do something big. It’s one of those things where you have a tryout, you have Real Madrid coaches here watching you, and no matter what happens, you take something away from that experience.
Former soccer player and television pundit 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, letting [the players] I know it’s important, and I’m proud of them for betting on themselves and going all out to try something like this.”
Besides Dempsey, Real Madrid legend Marcelo will also join this year’s Abbott Dream Team as a mentor.
Tests have already taken place in Miami, Washington, D.C. and Houston, where Dempsey was Wednesday morning. There are still tests planned for Kansas City (June 2), Los Angeles (June 4) and Chicago (June 9).
