Dempsey Backs USMNT Squad Despite Omissions, Flags Key Players for World Cup Run
Clint Dempsey, a three-time World Cup participant for the United States and now a Fox Sports analyst, acknowledged that Mauricio Pochettino's 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup carries genuine surprises while maintaining that the squad is capable of a deep run in the tournament. Dempsey shared his assessment with Fox News Digital on the sidelines of his mentorship work with the Abbott Dream Team, a youth development program operated in partnership with Real Madrid. The USMNT's official roster was revealed Tuesday, 27 May 2026, at an event in Manhattan.
Dempsey identified a cluster of players he considers essential to the team's prospects: goalkeeper-to-forward, he cited Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic, and Folarin Balogun as the figures whose performances will largely determine how far the United States advances. He also offered specific praise for Alex Zendejas, who has impressed at Club América. "That left foot he has, his finishing abilities, but also his ability to assist and whip in balls with that left foot," Dempsey said. He added that Giovanni Reyna may surprise critics given his production rate for the national team. Pochettino's roster is considered defensively weighted, with depth concentrated at right back - a construction Dempsey noted without offering a direct challenge to the manager's selection logic.
Two high-profile absences drew Dempsey's sympathy: Diego Luna and Tanner Tessman, both omitted from a squad that will be finalized ahead of FIFA's 1 June roster submission deadline. Dempsey said you naturally "feel bad" for players left out at the final stage, but declined to use their exclusion to diminish those who earned places. The United States opens Group D play against Paraguay on 12 June 2026 in Los Angeles. Dempsey drew an analogy to the momentum generated by home crowds during the 2026 Winter Olympics men's and women's hockey runs, expressing hope that a strong opening result could establish a similar connection between the squad and its home supporters.
Beyond his broadcasting role, Dempsey is serving as a mentor for the second consecutive year on the Abbott Dream Team, which targets soccer players aged 18 to 19 across the United States and offers selected participants a training and development experience at Real Madrid's facilities in Madrid, including access to Bernabéu Stadium and the club's medical and nutrition staff. Real Madrid legend Marcelo is also participating as a mentor this year. Tryouts have already been held in Miami, Washington D.C., and Houston, with remaining sessions scheduled in Kansas City on 2 June, Los Angeles on 4 June, and Chicago on 9 June.
