Sounders’ Cristian Roldan named to Team USA for World Cup

The Seattle Sounders will have a representative on the United States Men’s National Team when it plays at Lumen Field in the World Cup next month.

Midfielder Cristian Roldan was officially announced as one of the 26 players included on U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup roster Tuesday.

More: USMNT sets its 26-man roster for World Cup

A college star locally for the UW Huskies from 2013-14, the 30-year-old Roldan has 45 career international caps with five assists for the USMNT.

“As a club, we couldn’t be prouder of Cristian for earning the opportunity to represent the United States on the biggest stage in world soccer,” Sounders general manager and chief soccer officer Craig Waibel said in a statement. “Cristian has embodied what it means to be a Sounder since the day he arrived in Seattle. The consistency, professionalism and commitment he brings every day have made him one of the most respected players in our league and now a World Cup player once again. This is a special moment for Cristian, his family and everyone throughout our organization who has played a role in his development over the past decade.”

A dream come true.

Cristian Roldan and the @USMNT will play in Seattle on June 19! 🇺🇸🏡 pic.twitter.com/f8dGdWEdl2

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) May 26, 2026

It marks the second straight World Cup for Roldan, who also played on the squad in 2022 in Qatar. Roldan will not be joined this time by Sounders teammate Jordan Morris, who was left off the roster after playing for the USMNT four years ago.

Roldan has three goals and four assists for the Sounders this season, which is his 12th with the MLS club. He ranks second in Sounders history with 79 assists and sixth with 46 goals, and is a two-time MLS Cup champion with the team.

“Cristian represents everything you want in a player and teammate,” Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said. “He’s selfless, competitive, dependable and always willing to do whatever the team needs to win. Over the years, he’s proven himself at every level of the game and this call-up is a reflection of the work he’s put in throughout his career. Nobody deserves this opportunity more, and all of us at the club are excited to watch him represent our city and country at the World Cup.”

The 2026 World Cup is taking place across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 through July 19. Roldan and the USMNT are scheduled to play Australia on June 19 in Seattle.

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