USMNT World Cup roster snubbed, ranked: Zack Steffen and Ricardo Pepi deserved to be part of Qatar 2022 squad

The roster of the United States men’s national team for the World Cup was announced on Wednesday in a roster that included some surprises. After the big reveal, the conversation quickly shifted to the players who were left out. Depending on how you look at it, there may have been only a few surprises and for others several. But one thing is certain: this is not the list that no one expected just a few days ago.

Here’s the full list and the top five snubs.

USMNT World Cup Team

• Guardians (3): Matt Turner, Ethan Horvath, Sean Johnson.
• Defenders (9): Cameron Carter-Vickers, Sergiño Dest, Aaron Long, Shaq Moore, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson, Joe Scally, DeAndre Yedlin, Walker Zimmerman.
• Midfielders (7): Brenden Aaronson, Kellyn Acosta, Tyler Adams, Luca de la Torre, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Cristian Roldan.
• Forwards (7): Jesus Ferreira, Jordan Morris, Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Josh Sargent, Tim Weah, Haji Wright.

Listen below and follow In Football We Trust: A CBS Sports Football Podcast where your three favorite former USMNT players cover everything you could want to know about the United States Men’s National Team during the World Cup in Qatar.

Here are the five biggest ranked snubs.

5. Reggie Cannon (Boavista)

The case for him: Cannon is familiar with this system and has been a big part of the team for the past two years. The feeling was that he could at least be a deep option behind Sergino Dest, while still offering the possibility to go forward.

Why it was cut: He is in a delicate situation at the moment. His club situation at Boavista is messy with the inability to win a transfer to another league – such as France – and he has played just 10 games so far this season. He wouldn’t get into the best shape.

USMNT Future Prospects: Sure to be back at some point, especially if he can find a better club with a more comfortable situation.

4. Malik Tillman (Rangers)

The case for him: Berhalter lacks attacking midfielders capable of creating. He could have been the one to fill that void. It’s a shame to see him go because he was brought in this year as a new face, and there was positive chemistry there.

Why it was cut: He is emerging with Rangers, although his performance has cooled off a bit. He lacks experience with just four USMNT selections. Also, the midfield is quite solid and there was a need for depth for the veterans.

USMNT Future Prospects: A bright future and potentially a starter down the road, according to the roster. The midfield position looks locked for a while with Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah and Tyler Adams.

3. Jordan Pefok (Union Berlin)

The case for him: One of the most in-form strikers in Europe. In one of the top four teams in the Bundesliga (so far) in Union Berlin, he has three goals and three assists. Barely a month ago, he was the striker’s hot name.

Why it was cut: It has calmed down after a torrid start to the season. In Berhalter’s mind, he didn’t quite come naturally to the striker position in his system. He has also only scored one goal in his last 10 games.

USMNT Future Prospects: He’s already 26, and while there’s still time, he may find it difficult to be the 9th-place guy, especially with some quality young forwards on the rise.

2. Ricardo Pepi (Groningen)

The case for him: Pepi was the biggest name in the striker, the guy seen as the solver of all the problems in the position. He’s big, he’s fast, he gets into dangerous places. If you’re building a team that can pose a threat in 2026, wouldn’t you want him involved in the 2022 setup to gain experience? So what happened here?

Why it was cut: He is inexperienced and has had a tough year, only now is he getting into the groove with his loan move to Groningen in the Netherlands. The other options were considered the fittest.

Future of the USMNT: The future n°9 if it can continue to develop. No doubt he will soon be back in the picture.

1. Zack Steffen (Middlesbrough)

The case for him: He was the No. 1 goalkeeper for a long time and dates back to his Columbus Crew days with Berhalter. He’s been the guy for a few years now and has a ton of ability. How the hell does he get left off the list?

Why it was cut: We told you on Tuesday evening he was not in the team. Berhalter’s explanation at the roster reveal party was that it’s more about what they have than what they don’t have… like they’re charged at the gatekeeper position. aim. It’s hard to buy what he’s selling given their relationship dating back to their Columbus days and the fact that Turner is still working his way back from injury. Steffen has played this week for Boro and is not injured, so what gives? Something is wrong here, and maybe we’ll find out more details in due time.

USMNT Future Prospects: Well, we’ll see. You would think he will be back in the fold any time soon, but that depends on how some of the goalkeepers perform in the tournament and after. Would Steffen gladly serve as a substitute after starting for so long?

USMNT World Cup Schedule

Monday, November 21: vs Wales, 2 p.m. ET
Friday, November 25: v England, 2 p.m. ET
Tuesday, Nov. 29: vs. Iran, 2 p.m. ET