Cristian Roldán
Seattle SoundersCM
Ball-Winning Midfielder
Jun 3, 1995 (31)
Right
5'8"
165 lb
Out against Belgium
Roldan (strain) remains sidelined for the World Cup round of 16 matchup versus Belgium.
Analysis: Roldan will miss another game after being involved only in individual training prior to the match. At this rate, the midfielder is far from making his World Cup debut in the 2026 competition, given that he would be a depth option even at full fitness. Still, his absence limits the backup quality behind the main starters Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams.
Still limited to solo training
Roldan (strain) is progressing from his injury but was spotted in individual training Friday, according to Doug McIntyre of FOX Sports.
Analysis: Roldan hasn't played for the USMNT at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has missed the last two matches due to injury. The Sounders midfielder might be trending in the right direction, but all signs point to him being sidelined for Monday's matchup against Belgium with only three days left before kickoff.
Remains out
Roldan (strain) is out for Wednesday's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Analysis: Roldan will have to wait for his spot on the team sheet again, as the midfielder remains out injured for a second straight match. This is unlikely to change much either way, as he was unlikely to see much of the field moving forward, having yet to earn a minute this World Cup.
Expected to sit out Wednesday
Roldan (strain) could remain sidelined against Bosnia-Herzegovina, as USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said "It's going to be difficult" when giving an update on his injury Tuesday, Tom Bogert of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Roldan is not yet at 100 percent physically despite returning to limited training in recent days, and his hopes of making his World Cup debut are fading away for the time being, although he may still have a chance to play in future rounds if the United States progress further in the competition. The midfielder has served as a backup asset behind Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Sebastian Berhalter, all of whom should remain the primary contenders for starting spots in upcoming rounds.
Returns to modified training
Roldan (strain) has returned to partial field work as part of his recovery, combining pitch sessions with gym work ahead of Wednesday's round of 16 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to Peter Rutzler of TimesSport.
Analysis: Roldan has yet to play a minute at the tournament and his progression to modified training is an encouraging development after missing the previous match entirely. His availability for Wednesday remains day-to-day, though even if cleared his involvement from the bench appears unlikely given his lack of match sharpness throughout the competition.
Remains out of training
Roldan (strain) is out of training Sunday ahead of Wednesday's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to Steven Goff of Yahoo Sports.
Analysis: Roldan is still dealing with a strain after missing the team's last match and has yet to see much progress, as the midfielder has yet to rejoin training. It leaves him as day-to-day, potentially getting back into training and joining the team ahead of Wednesday. Either way, he has yet to play a minute this World Cup and will be unlikely to feature from the bench if fit.
Out Thursday
Roldan (strain) is out for Thursday's match against Turkiye.
Analysis: Roldan is not going to make the team sheet Thursday after some issues with a strain, appearing to have failed his late testing. This is a major blow to the midfielder, as this was likely one of his better opportunities to earn time at the 2026 World Cup. That said, much time is unlikely to come his way in the knockouts once fit, possibly leaving the World Cup without playing a minute.
Late call to face Turkiye
Roldan (strain) is a late call and set to be "assessed" ahead of Thursday's match against Turkiye, according to manager Mauricio Pochettino, per Peter Rutzler of The Times Sport.
Analysis: Roldan will need to be tested by the medical team as the USA enters its group stage finale, with the midfielder remaining day-to-day with his strain. This is something to watch with the team likely to rotate, as it could leave them with one less option in the holding part of the midfield. With Tyler Adams on a yellow and unlikely to play, Sebastian Berhalter will likely start as Roldan waits for time on the bench if he is deemed fit, one of the few times Roldan could earn time this tournament.
Day-to-day with muscle strain
Roldan is day-to-day due to a muscle strain, according to Laken Litman of Fox Sports.
Analysis: Roldan looks to be in question for the USA's upcoming group stage finale, as the midfielder has been dealt a muscle strain. He has yet to play a minute this World Cup, but with some rotation expected next match, this could be a decent loss of depth for the team. They will be unlikely to want to risk Tyler Adams on a yellow card, so Roldan could've been set for some minutes in the holding portion of the midfield, potentially leaving Sebastian Berhalter to see more time on the pitch.
Grabs key assist
Roldan assisted once to go with five shots (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against San Diego FC. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 57th minute.
Analysis: Roldan was a big factor in the final third with five shots and three chances created, eventually getting an important assist for Seattle in the last phase of the match. The midfielder will need similar volume to have any success in a tough matchup against San Jose Earthquakes, the top team in the West standings. They have a +19 goal differential on the season.
Available Saturday
Roldan (concussion) is fit again ahead of Saturday's visit to Sporting Kansas City, with coach Brian Schmetzer saying he's "available and ready to go", Jackson Felts of KJR Radio reports.
Analysis: Roldan will aim to bounce back to a starting spot after clearing the concussion protocol, so he'll threaten Snyder Brunell and Hassani Dotson for a place in midfield. After scoring two goals in his last performance and three over his seven league appearances this season, Roldan could be a solid all-around option, having also averaged 2.3 clearances and 2.0 tackles per game.
Could clear protocol for SKC
Roldan is expected to be ready for Saturday's clash against Sporting Kansas City pending clearance from concussion protocol, according to Jackson Felts of Sounders Weekly Shows.
Analysis: Roldan had entered protocol after taking a blow during last Friday's training session, making his availability for the weekend a race against time. The club is optimistic he will clear all the necessary steps before Saturday's kickoff, which would be a significant relief given the void his absence would leave in the Sounders' midfield. Hassani Dotson and Snyder Brunell had been on standby to cover if needed, but the positive update suggests Roldan should be available to regain his starting role against Sporting KC.
Lands in concussion protocol
Roldan is in concussion protocol following a blow in Friday's training session, Jackson Felts of KJR Radio reports.
Analysis: Roldan looks set to spend some days on the sidelines, leaving a significant void in the Sounders' lineup. Despite featuring as a defensive midfielder, he was coming off a brace during the previous match against St. Louis. Both Hassani Dotson and Snyder Brunell should feature while Roldan is unavailable.
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