The Roster Takes Shape
The 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives at an awkward moment for the three co-hosting nations. For the first time, the United States, Canada and México all enter the tournament with genuine hopes of making a deep run, buoyed by home crowds. The depth and talent of the national team player pools have never been better, particularly for the U.S. and Canada.
Sports Illustrated has assembled the best XI from the co-hosting nations, using a 3-5-2 formation. A player's inclusion on the team's official roster was the standard, even as some are nursing injuries.
The matchup already has enough history; the job is to keep the reading list shorter than the tension.
The goalkeeping situation for all three nations is uncertain. Matt Freese has emerged as the USMNT's primary choice for most of the past year and is the frontrunner to start at the World Cup. His shot-stopping ability with New York City FC stands out, and he is likely the safest bet out of the largely inconsistent options for the position.
In defense, Chris Richards anchors the backline for the USMNT. A Premier League star, Richards helped Crystal Palace capture the FA Cup last season and this year helped guide them to the Europa Conference League Final. His calmness in defense, aerial prowess and target-man potential in set-pieces make him a clear choice.
Johan Vásquez is an absolute force in the heart of México's defense. He plays a demanding style for both club and country, developing tactically during his time in Serie A with Genoa. This season, he started 36 games at the back.
The Margins Are Thin
Moïse Bombito completes the back three for Canada. The Canadian defensive stalwart missed most of the 2025-26 season with Ligue 1's OGC Nice after breaking his leg in a collision, but at his best, he is among the world's best center-backs. His positional awareness, dribbling skills to create space out of the back and sheer speed have set him up well.
In midfield, Tajon Buchanan is Canada's most explosive winger. An enigmatic dribbler and pacey winger, Buchanan hit a new level with Villarreal in Spain this season, scoring seven goals and an assist. His abilities as a transitional player stand out, elevated by his pinpoint passing ability and intuitive overlapping runs.
Weston McKennie is anticipated to be a major factor in any USMNT success this summer. The best player on the USMNT in the 2025-26 European season, McKennie's versatility is his best weapon with both his national team and Juventus. Playing for Italy's Old Lady this season, he scored five goals and five assists.
Érik Lira is a calming but feisty midfield presence who can also play center back. The heartbeat of Cruz Azul's 2025 Concacaf Champions run and 2026 Liga MX title, Lira has a knack for influencing games in a defensive midfield position, earning the nickname "The Pitbull". He is a gritty duel winner who thrives doing the dirty work.
Christian Pulisic completes the midfield three. Pulisic struggled with AC Milan this season, ending his campaign on a 19-game goalless streak, before snapping that with a goal and assist in his first USMNT match of the summer, a 3–2 win over Senegal. While he has had a dip in form from his best days, his transitional ability and resume make him undroppable in a co-hosting XI.
The Next Test Arrives
Alphonso Davies lines up on the left wing for Canada. Davies has had a tough year, but at his best, he is the outright best player in Concacaf. ACL recovery and several muscle injuries limited him to just 851 minutes across all competitions in 2025-26, where he scored one goal and five assists. When he is in form, few players can catch him.
Up front, Raul Jímenez leads the line for México. Jímenez is the best striker in Concacaf right now. After a skull fracture threatened his career in 2020, he re-emerged with a new physical look and added vigor to his goalscoring outlook. He finished the 2025-26 season with nine goals and three assists with Fulham and, to this point, has been the only co-hosting striker in recent history to play a starring role in the Premier League.
Jonathan David partners him for Canada. David's goalscoring prowess is critical for Canada.