USMNT World Cup squad: Pulisic leads the way, Steffen and Pepi dropped

The United States men's national team moved closer to its long-awaited return to the World Cup with the unveiling of head coach Gregg Berhalter's 26-man squad Wednesday.

Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie of Juventus headline a United States side that will feature at the World Cup for the first time in eight years.

"We are excited to take this group to compete in the 2022 FIFA World Cup," Berhalter said.

"Final roster decisions are always difficult, and we appreciate everyone's contributions who helped us get to this point. We believe we have a talented group, a strong team spirit, and one that is ready to compete.

"We are extremely proud and honored to represent the United States and appreciate all the amazing support from our fans as we head to Qatar."

Goalkeeper Zack Steffen and forward Ricardo Pepi were among the notable omissions from Berhalter's team. Meanwhile, defender Chris Richards will miss out due to injury after initially being tabbed to play an important role.

"In the case of Ricardo that was a really difficult conversation that I had to have with him," Berhalter said. "It's always difficult when a guy helps you get to the World Cup, he scores three goals in World Cup qualifying, and isn't going to be part of the program."

The U.S. kicks off its World Cup campaign against Wales on Nov. 22 before taking on England and Iran in Group B.

United States' World Cup squad

Goalkeepers: Ethan Horvath (Luton Town), Sean Johnson (New York City FC), Matt Turner (Arsenal)

Defenders: Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic), Sergino Dest (AC Milan), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), Shaq Moore (Nashville SC), Tim Ream (Fulham), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami CF), Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)

Midfielders: Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Kellyn Acosta (LAFC), Tyler Adams (Leeds United), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Yunus Musah (Valencia), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)

Forwards: Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Josh Sargent (Norwich City), Tim Weah (Lille), Haji Wright (Antalyaspor)