World Cup 2026: Meet USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams
poses with his jersey during the United States World Cup roster reveal on May 26, 2026, in New York City. (Photo by Tyler Thrasher/FOX)
The U.S. Men's National Team roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set with defender Tyler Adams making the team.
Each national team has to have at least 23 players and is allowed a maximum of 26 players and at least three goalkeepers are required to be on the roster.
Meet USMNT defender Tyler Adams
Tyler Adams #4 of the United States looks for an open teammate during an international friendly game between Japan and USMNT at Lower.com Field on September 9, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Midfielder Tyler Adams was born February 14,1999, in Wappingers Falls, New York. The local Martz Field Recreation Facility in that city was renamed "Tyler Adams Soccer Pitch" in his honor.
Adams, who will wear the number 4, was named 2022 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year as part of the USMNT at the World Cup in Qatar, and played in every minute. He has played on the men’s national team since he was 18 years old and made 52 appearances.
He served as the youngest ever USMNT captain at the World Cup and the youngest captain for an American team since 1950.
Adams currently plays in England for AFC Bournemouth.
When is the World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins June 11 and ends on July 19.
The group stage
- June 12, 2026: USA vs. Paraguay (Los Angeles Stadium)
- June 19, 2026: USA vs. Australia (Seattle Stadium)
- June 25, 2026: USA vs. Türkiye (Los Angeles Stadium)
These three matches will determine whether the Americans can advance from the group and begin a knockout-stage run in front of a home crowd.
The American team benefits from being seeded as a co-host in the expanded tournament, which could keep them from playing an elite opponent until the round of 16.
The U.S. hopes to advance far in the tournament and show it is making progress in a sport that trails the NFL, MLB and NBA in popularity at home. The Americans are 1-7 in knockout World Cup matches, the only win over regional rival Mexico in 2002.
Since reaching the semifinals of the first World Cup in 1930, the furthest Team USA has advanced was the 2002 quarterfinals. While they have lost eight straight matches to European opponents since 2022, getting outscored 22-6, the Americans have a high level of confidence.
How to watch the World Cup
Outside of watching the championship on live TV, there are several options audiences can choose from to enjoy the soccer matches.
One free option is through FIFA+ and select YouTube streams. It will also be available for free on Australia’s SBS On Demand.
Other paid options include:
The Source: Information for this article was provided by FIFA, the U.S. Men's National Team, and previous FOX Local reporting. This story was reported from Orlando.