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Christian Pulisic headlines USA World Cup squad, Zack Steffen left out

Pulisic headlines USA World Cup squad, Steffen left out
© Reuters
The USA name their 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup, and there are several notable absentees from Gregg Berhalter's ranks.

The USA have named their 26-man squad for the 2022 World Cup, and there are several notable absentees from Gregg Berhalter's ranks.

Chelsea attacker Christian Pulisic is unsurprisingly the standout name in the final third for the USA, who have also called up the likes of Joshua Sargent and Giovanni Reyna.

However, Berhalter has controversially opted to omit striker Jordan Pefok, who has been a regular for Bundesliga high-flyers Union Berlin so far this term.

Nineteen-year-old starlet Ricardo Pepi has also been left out of the squad, despite scoring five goals in eight Eredivisie matches during a strong start to his loan spell with Groningen from Augsburg.

Timothy Weah, Jesus Ferreira, Jordan Morris and Haji Wright - who plays his club football in Turkey with Antalyaspor - complete the seven-man attack for the Yanks.

Brenden Aaronson in action for Leeds United on August 6, 2022© Reuters

Leeds United's creative hub Brenden Aaronson stands out in the midfield ranks alongside teammate Tyler Adams and Juventus lynchpin Weston McKennie, adding to the Premier League representation in Berhalter's squad.

Seattle Sounders lynchpin Cristian Roldan has also made the 26-man squad, with Yunus Musah, Kellyn Acosta and Luca de la Torre involved too, but two Rangers men have seen their World Cup dreams shattered for the time being.

Neither Malik Tillman nor James Sands have been called up for the tournament in Qatar, and there were also a few surprise calls further back, with goalkeeper Zack Steffen being left out.

The Manchester City man - currently on loan at Middlesbrough - has been snubbed for Ethan Horvath, Sean Johnson and Matt Turner, with the latter only starting Europa League games for Arsenal so far this season.

A host of well-known names make up the USA defence, with Fulham pair Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson among those set to battle for places in Berhalter's starting XI.

USA goalkeeper Zack Steffen pictured on June 3, 2021© Reuters

DeAndre Yedlin, Shaquell Moore, Sergino Dest and 19-year-old Joe Scally of Borussia Monchengladbach provide further full-back options, while Cameron Carter-Vickers, Aaron Long and Walker Zimmerman complete the rearguard.

Yedlin is the only player in the squad to have appeared at a World Cup before - earning a call-up in 2014 - and Berhalter is excited to see what his young guns can do in Qatar.

"We are excited to take this group to compete in the 2022 FIFA World Cup," Berhalter said after the announcement at the Empire State Building. "Final roster decisions are always difficult, and we appreciate everyone's contributions who helped us get to this point.

"We believe we have a talented group, a strong team spirit, and one that is ready to compete. We are extremely proud and honoured to represent the United States and appreciate all the amazing support from our fans as we head to Qatar"

The Stars and Stripes will be doing battle with England, Iran and Wales in Group B, firstly taking on the Dragons on November 21.


USA 2022 WORLD CUP SQUAD IN FULL

Goalkeepers: Matt Turner (Arsenal), Sean Johnson (New York City), Ethan Horvath (Luton Town, on loan from Nottingham Forest)

Defenders: Tim Ream (Fulham), Sergino Dest (AC Milan, on loan from Barcelona), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic), DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville), Shaquell Moore (Nashville), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

Midfielders: Weston McKennie (Juventus), Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Tyler Adams (Leeds United), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Kellyn Acosta (Los Angeles), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo), Yunus Musah (Valencia)

Forwards: Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Joshua Sargent (Norwich City), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Jesus Ferreira (Dallas), Haji Wright (Antalyaspor), Timothy Weah (Lille)

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