United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has left Yunus Musah out of the country’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The midfielder’s omission has become one of the biggest talking points after the squad announcement.
Musah previously represented the United States at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Born in New York to Ghanaian parents, the 23-year-old had become a regular member of the national team in recent years.
Many supporters expected him to make the final squad because of his international experience and versatility in midfield.
However, Pochettino decided against including him in the group for the tournament.
Musah spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Atalanta BC from AC Milan.
Injuries disrupted parts of his season, but he still made 26 appearances in Serie A and the UEFA Champions League.
The midfielder scored one goal and provided one assist during the campaign.
Musah was not the only midfielder to miss out on the final selection.
Diego Luna and Tanner Tessmann were also omitted from the squad.
Despite those exclusions, the United States still named several experienced players for the tournament.
The squad includes goalkeeper Matt Turner, defender Miles Robinson, midfielders Gio Reyna and Weston McKennie, and attackers Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic.
The United States will compete in Group D against the Australia national football team, Turkey national football team and Paraguay national football team.
As one of the co-host nations, the USA will face huge expectations from supporters hoping for a strong World Cup campaign on home soil.
For Musah, the decision marks a disappointing setback after appearing at the World Cup in Qatar four years ago.
