The 26 players that will represent the United States at the upcoming FIFA World Cup were revealed this week, and there is plenty of New Jersey representation in the mix.
The list released by manager Mauricio Pochettino included two New Jersey natives, two players who spent part of their youth development in the Garden State and two sons of prominent natives of the state.
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Here are the New Jersey representatives for the United States at the FIFA World Cup:
Medford Messi
Brenden Aaronson, midfielder (Medford): Known affectionately as “Medford Messi,” the South Jersey native made his USMNT debut at 20 and will now feature in his second World Cup after representing his country in Qatar. He started his career with the Philadelphia Union and is now a regular starter for Leeds United of the Premier League, helping the historic club stay in England’s top flight this season.
WCup US Roster Soccer
Matt Turner, goalkeeper (Park Ridge): Turner has started over 50 games for the USMNT, helping his country win the Gold Cup in 2021 and two CONCACAF Nation Leagues, but he lost his starting spot to NYCFC’s Matt Freese at the 2025 Gold Cup and it is yet to be determined whether he could win it back for the World Cup in his home country. Turner starred at Saint Joseph’s Regional in Montvale, played in college at Fairfield, was named the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2021 with the New England Revolution and played for multiple teams in Europe.
Bournemouth-Adams Soccer
Tyler Adams, midfielder: Adams has represented the United States more than 50 times since making his debut at 18, serving as the team’s captain during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
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A large chunk of the New York native’s development at a player took place at the Red Bulls academy in Whippany. He joined the MLS club’s youth set up at 13, and within three years, he made his debut with the first team. Outstanding performances earned him opportunities in Europe, and he is currently playing for Bournemouth, which finished sixth in the Premier League this season.
Timothy Weah of the UMSNT
Timothy Weah, winger: His connection is looser than anyone else on the list, but it is worth noting: Weah spent a year of his youth development at the Red Bulls academy when he was 13 years old.
The son of legendary forward George Weah, he is set to represent the United States at a second World Cup. Weah currently plays for Marseille after representing Juventus in Italy, Celtic in Scotland and Paris St. Germain and Lille in France.
Gio Reyna
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Gio Reyna (winger) and Sebastian Berhalter (midfielder): We will lump these two together because their situations are remarkably similar: neither have any direct New Jersey ties, but their fathers are two of the best players the state ever produced.
Claudio Reyna may just be the greatest soccer player to ever grow up in New Jersey. A legendary player at St. Benedict’s in Newark and the University of Virginia, Claudio Reyna earned 112 caps over 12 years with the USMNT, serving as captain for much of that span. After missing the 1994 World Cup due to injury, he featured in the 1998, 2002 and 2006 tournaments, playing a pivotal role in the United States’ Round of 16 victory over Mexico at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea.
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Gregg Berhalter was also a star at St. Benedict’s Prep before starring in the ACC, playing at North Carolina. He went on to feature 44 times for the USMNT before serving as its manager for four years, including at the 2022 World Cup in which he led his country of the Round of 16 in Qatar.
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