The 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany marked the United States men’s national team’s fifth consecutive appearance at the tournament. Head coach Bruce Arena assembled a 23-man roster blending experienced veterans with emerging talents, all hoping to improve on the historic quarter-final run of 2002. Drawn into a challenging Group E alongside the Czech Republic, Italy, and Ghana, the squad ultimately finished third in the group with one point from three matches.
Below is the complete 2006 USA World Cup roster, listed with position, club at the time of selection, and tournament appearances:
Goalkeepers
1. Kasey Keller – Borussia Mönchengladbach (Germany) – 4 apps
18. Tim Howard – Manchester United (England) – 0 apps
19. Marcus Hahnemann – Reading (England) – 0 apps
Defenders
2. Chris Albright – Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) – 0 apps
3. Carlos Bocanegra – Fulham (England) – 3 apps, 1 goal
4. Pablo Mastroeni – Colorado Rapids (MLS) – 2 apps
6. Steve Cherundolo – Hannover 96 (Germany) – 3 apps
13. Jimmy Conrad – Kansas City Wizards (MLS) – 1 app
15. Bobby Convey – Reading (England) – 3 apps
22. Oguchi Onyewu – Standard Liège (Belgium) – 3 apps
Midfielders
5. John O’Brien – Chivas USA (MLS) – 0 apps
7. Eddie Lewis – Leeds United (England) – 3 apps
8. Clint Dempsey – New England Revolution (MLS) – 3 apps, 1 goal
10. Claudio Reyna – Manchester City (England) – 3 apps (captain)
14. Ben Olsen – D.C. United (MLS) – 0 apps
16. Kerry Zavagnin – Kansas City Wizards (MLS) – 0 apps
17. DaMarcus Beasley – PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) – 3 apps
Forwards
9. Eddie Johnson – Kansas City Wizards (MLS) – 3 apps
11. Brian Ching – Houston Dynamo (MLS) – 2 apps
12. Brian McBride – Fulham (England) – 3 apps, 1 goal
20. Josh Wolff – Kansas City Wizards (MLS) – 1 app
21. Landon Donovan – Los Angeles Galaxy (MLS) – 3 apps
23. Taylor Twellman – New England Revolution (MLS) – 0 apps
Notable moments from Germany 2006 include Brian McBride scoring the lone U.S. goal against Ghana, Clint Dempsey netting in the 1–1 draw with Italy, and captain Claudio Reyna delivering a steady presence before the team exited on goal difference. The roster’s mix of European-based experience and MLS contributors set the stage for a new generation that would qualify for three more consecutive World Cups starting in 2010.
