Countdown to the 2026 World Cup: Key U.S. Men’s National Team Players to Watch

With the 2026 World Cup around the corner, American soccer fans are turning their attention to European leagues where several players from the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) are making their mark in top competitions like the Premier League, Bundesliga, and La Liga. The 2025-26 season promises to be crucial for players looking to secure their spots in the World Cup roster.

Spotlight Players: Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna

Christian Pulisic: AC Milan’s Star Forward

As Christian Pulisic enters his third season at AC Milan, he is under the microscope. After a controversial absence from the Gold Cup brought criticism from USMNT alumni—including a public spat with Landon Donovan—Pulisic has bounced back, becoming a key player in Italy.

• Goals Scored: 32 goals in his first two seasons
• Upcoming Match: AC Milan’s Serie A opener on August 23

Pulisic is expected to play a vital role in helping his team improve on last season’s eighth-place finish.

Gio Reyna: A Transition Year

On the other hand, Gio Reyna finds himself at Borussia Dortmund, albeit amid whispers of a possible transfer. The talented midfielder has struggled for playtime, appearing for just 12 minutes during Dortmund’s Club World Cup run.

• Previous Jersey: His iconic No. 7 has been reassigned, raising concerns about his future.
• Potential Transfer: Linked to Serie A side Parma, Reyna must kickstart his season to bolster his World Cup bid.

"I aim to make the most out of every opportunity this season," says Reyna, emphasizing his focus on performance.

Other USMNT Players to Keep an Eye On

Tyler Adams – AFC Bournemouth

• Role: USMNT Captain
• 2024-25 Performance: Established himself as a leader, contributing to Bournemouth’s top-half finish in the Premier League.

Brenden Aaronson – Leeds United

• Recent Achievements: Scored a goal and earned an assist during the Gold Cup.
• Notable Milestone: Helped Leeds United secure a promotion to the Premier League after clinching the EFL Championship title.

Malik Tillman – Bayer Leverkusen

• Recent Move: Transferred from PSV in the Netherlands.
• Career Stats: 25 goals and 17 assists in two years at PSV, contributing to consecutive league titles.

Timothy Weah – Olympique de Marseille

• Career Transition: Returned to Ligue 1 after two noteworthy seasons with Juventus, where he made 78 appearances and scored 14 goals.

Sergiño Dest – PSV Eindhoven

• Strong Start: Began the season with a goal and was pivotal in winning the Dutch Super Cup.
• Injury Comeback: Missed much of last season due to a torn ACL.

Johnny Cardoso – Atlético Madrid

• Recent Transfer: Moved from Real Betis, looking to bounce back from a subdued Gold Cup due to injury.
• Age: 23, representing a new generation of USMNT talent.

Conclusion

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on these hopefuls as they compete across Europe’s elite leagues. With players like Pulisic and Reyna under pressure to perform, their performances this season could very well determine their spots in the national lineup come World Cup time.

For comprehensive coverage on USMNT players and their performances in upcoming matches, check out ESPN for the latest updates and insights.