Here’s the full roster and five biggest snubs.
The USMNT World Cup Mission
Goalkeepers (3): Matt Turner, Ethan Horvath, Sean Johnson. Defensemen (9): Cameron Carter-Vickers, Sergiño Dest, Aaron Long, Shaq Moore, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Joe Scally, DeAndre Yedlin, Walker Zimmerman. Midfielders (7): Brenden Aaronson, Kellyn Acosta, Tyler Adams, Luca de la Torre, Weston McKenney, Yunus Musa, Christian Roldan. Forwards (7): Jesus Ferreira, Jordan Morris, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Josh Sargent, Tim Weah, Haji Wright.
Listen below and tune in to In Soccer We Trust: A CBS Sports Soccer Podcast where three of your favorite former USMNT players cover everything you could want to know about the United States Men’s National Team during the World Cup in Qatar. Here are the top five snubs ranked.
5. Reggie Cannon (Boavista)
The case for him: Cannon is familiar with this system and has been a big part of the team for the past two years. The feeling was that he could at least be a depth option behind Sergino Dest, while also offering the ability to go forward. Why it was cut: He’s in a tough spot right now. His situation at Boavista is a mess due to his failure to earn a move to another league — such as France — and he has played just 10 games so far this season. He wouldn’t get into the best shape. USMNT Future Outlook: Will definitely return at some point, especially if he can find a better club with a more comfortable situation. Check the opt-in box to confirm you want to join.
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4. Malik Tillman (Rangers)
The case for him: Berhalter lacks attacking midfielders who can create. He could be the one to fill that void. It’s a shame to part with him as he was introduced this year as a new face and there was some positive chemistry there. Why he was cut: He’s emerging with the Rangers, though his performances have eased up a bit. He lacks experience with just four caps for the USMNT. Also, the midfield is pretty stacked and there was a need for veteran depth. USMNT Future Outlook: A bright future and possibly a starter on the way, depending on the formation. The midfield position looks locked for a while with Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah and Tyler Adams.
3. Jordan Pefok (Union Berlin)
The case for him: One of the most in-form strikers in Europe. In a top Bundesliga team (currently) in Union Berlin, he has three goals and three assists. Just about a month ago, he was the hot name in the striker. Why he was cut: He cooled off after a hot start to the season. In Berhalter’s mind, he wasn’t a natural fit at the forward position in his system. He has also scored just one goal in his last 10 games. USMNT future outlook: He’s already 26 years old and while there’s still time, it may be difficult for him to be the No.9 guy, especially with quality, young forwards on the rise.
2. Ricardo Pepi (Groningen)
The case for him: Pepi was the biggest name in the striker, the guy who was seen as the problem solver for all the ills in the position. He’s tall, he’s fast, he gets into dangerous spots. If you’re building a team that can be a threat in 2026, wouldn’t you want him in the 2022 setup to gain some experience? So what happened here? Why he was cut: He’s inexperienced and has had a rough year or so, just now hitting a dead end with his loan spell at Groningen in the Netherlands. The other options were considered the most up-to-date. USMNT future: The future No. 9 if he can continue to develop. No doubt he’ll be back in the picture sometime soon.
1. Jacques Steffen (Middlesbrough)
His case: He’s been the No. 1 goaltender for a long time, and it goes way back to his Columbus Crew days with Berhalter. He’s been the guy for a few years and has a lot of skills. How the hell does he stay off the roster? Why he was cut: We told you on Tuesday night that he was not in the squad. Berhalter’s explanation during the roster unveiling party was that this was more about the haves as opposed to the don’ts … like they’re loaded at the goalie position. It’s hard to buy what he’s selling, given their relationship dating back to their days in Columbus and the fact that Turner is still trying to come back from injury. Steffen played this week for Boro and is not injured so what does he give? Something seems to be going on here, and we may learn more details in time. USMNT Future Outlook: Well, we’ll see. One would think that he will be back in the team soon, but that depends on how some of the goalkeepers perform in the tournament and beyond. Would Steffen willingly serve as a backup after starting for so long?
USMNT World Cup Schedule
Monday, November 21: v Wales, 2pm ETFriday, Nov. 25: vs. England, 2 p.m. ETT Tuesday, Nov. 29: vs. Iran, 2 p.m. ET