USMNT Gears Up for World Cup: Key Players to Watch

As the European football season kicks off, the landscape for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) is beginning to take shape ahead of the 2026 World Cup. With just 301 days remaining until the tournament, players across the continent are stepping onto the pitch for their respective clubs, showcasing their abilities and vying for a spot on the national team.

The English Championship and 2. Bundesliga commenced this past weekend, while the Premier League, LaLiga, and Ligue 1 are set to begin shortly. Meanwhile, players in Major League Soccer (MLS) continue their campaigns. Throughout this season, ESPN will provide insights into players whose performances could influence the USMNT roster, ensuring that fans are well-informed when the final 26-man squad is announced.

Player Updates Ahead of the World Cup

A key focus for USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino is the performance of players like Sergiño Dest and Josh Sargent. Dest, currently with PSV Eindhoven, has started the season exceptionally well. He scored the decisive goal in the Dutch Super Cup and netted again during a 6-1 victory against Sparta Rotterdam. His return is vital, especially after recovering from an ACL injury that kept him sidelined for much of the previous season. Pochettino has yet to see Dest in action since taking over, and his form could significantly enhance the team’s attacking options.

On the other hand, Sargent’s situation presents a stark contrast. The forward, who plays for Norwich City, managed to score in the club’s 2-1 loss to Millwall, but it came in an unorthodox manner—deflecting a clearance into the net. While his club performance shows potential, Sargent has struggled to find the back of the net with the national team, having not scored in over five years. His future with the USMNT hinges on his ability to deliver consistently for Norwich, particularly as the summer transfer window approaches.

Matt Turner, the goalkeeper currently with New England Revolution, has successfully secured a starting position, a significant achievement following a season spent largely on the bench at Crystal Palace. In his return to New England, Turner had an impressive debut, making three saves in a 2-0 win against D.C. United. His experience in the World Cup could provide him an edge over emerging talents like Zack Steffen and Matt Freese, who are also competing for the goalkeeper role.

Injury Concerns and Emerging Talent

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, injuries are a pressing concern for Pochettino. Players like Christian Pulisic and Malik Tillman are currently sidelined, which complicates the selection process for the ideal starting XI. Pulisic, who is recovering from an ankle injury, may still feature in an upcoming match, while Tillman is dealing with a muscle strain.

A significant gap exists in the left-back position, with Antonee Robinson unable to start the season due to recovery from knee surgery. This opens the door for Max Arfsten from Columbus Crew, despite inconsistent performances previously. Arfsten’s recent improvement in defensive play could make him a viable option, particularly given Pochettino’s preference for attacking contributions from fullbacks.

Emerging talent is also on display this season, as Alejandro Zendejas from América has been performing exceptionally well, making a case for his inclusion despite earlier doubts about his place on the roster. The September window will be crucial for Zendejas to prove his worth to Pochettino.

In addition to Zendejas, Diego Luna is another player to watch. Despite receiving a red card in his last match against New York Red Bulls, Luna’s ability to create scoring opportunities makes him a valuable asset for the team. His composure under pressure will be tested as he aims to solidify his role within the squad.

As the season progresses, Pochettino faces a challenging landscape filled with injuries, emerging players, and established stars. With the World Cup fast approaching, every match will be an opportunity for players to stake their claim for a spot on the national team. The next few months promise to be pivotal in determining the final roster as the USMNT prepares for a highly anticipated tournament on home soil.