Auston Trusty & Birmingham City break silence over Arsenal loanee’s USA World Cup squad exclusion

Birmingham City central defender Auston Trusty has missed out on a place in the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) squad for the World Cup. The Arsenal loanee, who has started all 20 games for Blues in the Championship this season, was not included in the final 26-man roster.

USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter has opted for the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Aaron Long, Tim Ream and Walker Zimmerman instead. Although there are plenty of talented players heading for Qatar in his place, the decision has baffled lots of people - from Blues supporters to pundits and the club itself.

In the wake of the squad announcement, Birmingham City’s official Twitter account tweeted: “Did everything he could and more, @austheboss3 will always get our call up.” Trusty responded to the message with a red heart emoji.

Bluenoses took to the replies to leave their own messages for the 24-year-old. @BluesAnalytics_ said: “That USA defence must be very, very good if they can afford to leave out Trusty. Their loss, our gain.” Meanwhile, @kielawrence97 said: “USA don’t know what they’re missing,” and @BloreLuke rather fittingly said: “Trusty the process.”

Trusty himself put out his own message displaying his disappointment but took the opportunity to wish his side luck ahead of the tournament. He said: “Would have loved to be on the plane, but all in God’s timing. Wishing all the best to the @USMNT squad in Qatar! Make us all proud! #TrustyTheProcess.”

Although not in the squad this time around, Trusty will very much be in his prime for the next World Cup - which is in fact set to be partly hosted in his home country. Canada, Mexico and the United States will share the responsibility come 2026.

What is the full USMNT squad for the World Cup?

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

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

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: Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders), Giovanni Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Josh Sargent (Norwich City), Timothy Weah (Lille), Haji Wright (Antalyaspor).