Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie Make USMNT Roster for Final World Cup Friendlies

Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie are among those on the United States men's national soccer team roster for a pair of friendlies prior to the World Cup.

The USMNT announced the entire 26-player group Wednesday.

The upcoming friendlies will be against Japan and Saudi Arabia this month.

The United States' 2022 World Cup appearance will start in Qatar on Nov. 21 against Wales in Group B play. They will also take on England and Iran.

By virtue of finishing third in the eight-team CONCACAF qualifying table, the United States is making its first appearance in the men's World Cup since 2014 after failing to make the 2018 competition. The U.S. has made the knockout round in three of their last four appearances, including a quarterfinals berth in 2002.

The 23-year-old Pulisic will take part in his first World Cup. He's starred for the national team with 21 goals in 51 appearances. The Chelsea winger/midfielder has scored 19 goals in 80 Premier League appearances for the Blues.

The 24-year-old McKennie will also be making his World Cup debut. The Juventus midfielder has scored nine goals for the U.S., including two during this year's qualifying round.