Park Ridge’s Matt Turner and Medford’s Brenden Aaronson named to USMNT World Cup roster
While USA opens as a longshot to win the entire tournament, local stars from the Garden State are expected to anchor the squad
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With the World Cup just one month away, the United States Men’s National Team is locking in its roster with a New Jersey flavor.
While Team USA opens as a distinct longshot to win the entire tournament, local stars from the Garden State are expected to anchor the squad. However, the roster announcement comes alongside a major injury blow that will shake up the American midfield.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: FIFA World Cup 2026 in New Jersey
Headlining the local talent is goalkeeper Matt Turner. The Park Ridge native and St. Joseph Regional High School alumn, who started every game for the U.S. during the last World Cup cycle, is back on the big stage. Despite his tournament experience, the starting goalkeeper job this time around remains an open competition.
Joining him from South Jersey is forward Brenden Aaronson of Medford. Aaronson is part of an experienced core, as half of the roster is returning from the previous World Cup squad, including Tim Weah, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams.
While the U.S. welcomes back key veterans, they will have to navigate a massive last-minute loss. Midfielder Johnny Cardoso from Denville is out after Atlético Madrid announced he will undergo surgery to repair a high-grade sprain and joint damage in his right ankle.
Cardoso suffered the injury during a club training session. While U.S. Soccer is still gathering information, the upcoming surgery effectively rules him out of the tournament weeks before kickoff, forcing manager Mauricio Pochettino to adjust his midfield.
Despite the Cardoso injury, the U.S. is boasting a deeper roster than last cycle. Defenders Chris Richards and Miles Robinson have officially made the cut, earning their spots after devastating injuries sidelined both players just ahead of the 2022 tournament.
With veterans hungry for redemption and New Jersey's own Turner and Aaronson leading the charge, the USMNT will look to defy the early odds when tournament play begins next month.
