Back in 2014 — the last time the U.S. men’s national team appeared in the World Cup — then-head coach Jurgen Klinsmann made the stunning decision to leave longtime USMNT star Landon Donovan off his roster. Fast forward eight years, and head coach Gregg Berhalter didn’t need to worry about leaving a U.S. soccer legend off his team this time around.
But that doesn’t mean that fans will walk away totally pleased with the 26-player roster that will head to Qatar.
In an announcement show on ESPN2, Berhalter discussed some of the tougher roster decisions as several mainstays in qualifying were left off the squad entirely. On top of that, a couple players who were thought to be out of the Berhalter’s vision were given the coveted World Cup call-up.
Let’s break down a few of those snubs and surprises.