United States men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino will announce his 26-player World Cup roster on May 26, facing difficult decisions.
USA and Seattle Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan, a 2022 World Cup veteran, spoke about the pressure ahead of the final decision.
"There's a lot of pressure going into it," Roldan said on 'First Things First.' "I feel like this time around I have a lot more to lose, just because I've racked up a few more starts with the national team over the last six months. I'm eager, I'm excited, I'm anxious, I'm ready for this to get going and hopefully give myself the best shot of making that squad."
Roldan has become a favorite of Pochettino, playing in eight of the last 10 USA matches and starting three. After a two-assist performance against Australia in October, Pochettino called the 30-year-old midfielder the "perfect player."
"It's humbling," Roldan said. "He's coached Messi, Neymar, Mbappé, those are world-class players. It's a humbling experience ... Altogether, I'm just proud to be part of the team right now, to have an opportunity to go to the World Cup. When he says something like that, it definitely helps your case."
The roster reveal will be broadcast live on FOX at 3 p.m. ET on May 26. The 2026 World Cup starts June 11.