Social media reacts to USMNT’s 26-player roster reveal

Social media reacts to USMNT’s 26-player roster reveal originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

After months of speculation, head coach Gregg Berhalter officially unveiled the USMNT roster for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The 26-player roster that will represent the United States in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, was unveiled during an exclusive event at Brooklyn Steel in New York City on Wednesday evening and social media went into a frenzy following the reveal. 

One player that fans knew wouldn’t be on the roster is USMNT defender Chris Richards, who said he would not be competing at the World Cup after sustaining a hamstring injury in September. 

But with the final team being revealed, here’s what fans had to say about the final look at the World Cup team:

Immediately, many fans were shocked, and disappointed that goalkeeper Zack Steffen was not apart of the roster:

Steffen has long been coach Berhalter’s No. 1 goalkeeper, but instead, Ethan Horvath (Luton Town), Matt Turner (Arsenal) and Sean Johnson (NYCFC) are set to be on the roster.

There were also mixed emotions on midfielder Cristian Roldan making the final team:

Other snubs that many felt were left off the roster were forwards Theoson-Jordan Siebatcheu (Jordan Pefok) and Ricardo Pepi:

Among the disappointment there were a few fans that were somewhat pleased with Berhalter’s final choice:

Now that the team has been assembled, next stop: Qatar.

The USMNT will open the World Cup group play against Wales on Nov. 21, face off against England on the 25th and then close out the first round against Iran on the 29th.