The Countdown to World Cup 2026: Assessing the USMNT’s Key Players

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) finds itself at a pivotal juncture. A successful tournament hinges not just on skill but significantly on player health and fitness. With only 288 days left until the tournament kicks off, let’s explore the current status of some promising American players as they gear up for the big stage.

Injury Updates and Player Returns

The last weekend marked a moment of celebration for the USMNT with the return of key players to their respective clubs. Defender Antonee Robinson from Fulham, striker Folarin Balogun of AS Monaco, and forward Ricardo Pepi of PSV Eindhoven all made their way back to starting lineups. These players are crucial for the team’s depth and performance as they approach the World Cup.

The move of Gio Reyna to Borussia Mönchengladbach is another positive storyline. Playing with a childhood friend, Reyna should find his rhythm in Germany’s competitive environment. However, his ability to stay injury-free will be paramount for both club and country.

Spotlight on Key Players

Gio Reyna | Attacker | Borussia Mönchengladbach

Reyna’s transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Mönchengladbach was highly anticipated. This move not only stays within the German league but also allows him to bond with Joe Scally, a familiar face from their youth days. However, with zero minutes played thus far this season, Reyna must focus on overcoming his injury troubles to secure his place on the World Cup roster.

Antonee Robinson | Fullback | Fulham

Affectionately dubbed the “Jedi,” Robinson made his return against Manchester United, providing solid defensive cover. He logged 28 minutes on the field—a crucial comeback after missing time due to injury. While he was omitted from the USMNT roster for the September window, this absence is strategic, allowing him to build fitness for the upcoming league matches and, hopefully, the World Cup.

Folarin Balogun | Forward | AS Monaco

Last weekend, Balogun played a full 90 minutes in a narrow loss to Lille, demonstrating resilience after recovering from a calf injury. This solid performance may help him secure a late-call up to the USMNT for the September matches, as his unique playing style could add much-needed diversity to the squad’s attack. Balogun is locked into a competition for the No. 9 shirt against Josh Sargent, but consistent play will be key for his bid to feature prominently.

Evaluating the In-Form XI

With Pocchetino at the helm, the September call-up left many eyebrows raised as some in-form players were not included. Particularly, the midfield will require careful scrutiny. Weston McKennie’s omission raises questions, while players like Johnny Cardoso and Tanner Tessmann have been logging time in their respective leagues, making strong cases for selection.

Rising Stars

Tanner Tessmann’s promising start in Lyon and Cardoso’s increased playing time in Atlético Madrid suggest a shift in the midfield landscape. Aidan Morris, another name to watch, has secured Man of the Match honors in recent fixtures for Middlesbrough. Their inclusion in the USMNT roster could prove beneficial as the team seeks to establish cohesion ahead of the World Cup.

Injury Concerns

Unfortunately, injuries continue to be a looming concern. Players like Miles Robinson and Yunus Musah have missed significant game time due to various reasons, further complicating the selection process for the upcoming matches. Pochettino has his work cut out in managing the squad’s fitness while ensuring that each player is game-ready for the challenges ahead.

The Road Ahead

As the USMNT navigates through the season, the spotlight remains firmly on how each player adapts, recovers, and performs. The upcoming fixtures will be critical, not just for assessing individual talent but also for building the chemistry necessary to mount a strong campaign at home during the World Cup.

All eyes are on these key players, whose recent performances will shape the expectations and fortunes of the USMNT. As the countdown to June 11 continues, fans can anticipate a thrilling showcase promising to elevate American soccer on the global stage.