The American will be fulfilling the ultimate dream of every footballer this summer but has given a nod to two disappointed Leeds United teammates
07:00, 27 May 2026
Brenden Aaronson will be dreaming of big things this summer
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Brenden Aaronson will be dreaming of big things this summer(Image: John Dorton/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
Brenden Aaronson will realise a lifelong “dream” when stepping out for the USA at a home World Cup this summer, having been selected to be part of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
After registering four goals and five assists for Leeds United this season, the American will represent his nation on the biggest stage for the second time in his career - although this year, it will be on his own land.
Aaronson, who played in all four of the USMNT’s games at Qatar 2022, has largely been a mainstay for his country since his debut in 2020 but was given a reminder that his place is never guaranteed upon Pochettino’s snub during September’s internationals.
The 25-year-old has made every squad since that point and his inclusion in Tuesday’s World Cup roster came as no shock. Aaronson has not been a regular starter for Pochettino for two years now and he is expected to be a much-used bench player.
The playmaker has only failed to earn minutes in three of the last 13 squads he has been a part of, having been involved in the USA's journey to the Gold Cup final last year.
Aaronson concluded his season at Leeds with 30 Premier League starts in a campaign that saw him go from being booed by some Whites fans to being serenaded by the majority amid a four-week purple patch over December and January in which he recorded three goals and two assists.
Speaking after Sunday’s season-closer at West Ham, Aaronson stayed humble when asked about the World Cup given the squad was not yet announced. However, he said participation would mean he could enjoy a “really special month”.
He added to reporters: “It’s super exciting, you know. For me, if I can go, it's going to be a dream for me and my family, for them to be at the games, and to just represent my country in the World Cup on home soil is something that I'll never forget.”
Alongside Gabriel Gudmundsson of Sweden, Noah Okafor of Switzerland and Ao Tanaka of Japan, Aaronson becomes the fourth Leeds player to be going to the World Cup. Conversely, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was not chosen for the England squad while Anton Stach missed out on Germany selection.
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Aaronson believes both players “deserved” to have gotten the nod for their respective nations but reckons the pair can turn a short-term negative into a long-term positive. Aaornon said: “They got their calls and I saw them the next day. Of course, I'm devastated for them. I think both of them deserve to go.
“They had fantastic seasons here and they played at such a high level throughout the year, and it's really tough to not see them go. But I think that they'll use that as fire for next season and get ready to come back into it.”