Who Will Shine Ahead of the 2026 World Cup?

The Road to 2026: A Winter of Opportunity and Pressure for USMNT Hopefuls

As the calendar flips to 2026, the anticipation for the World Cup on home soil reaches fever pitch. For the USMNT, this winter represents a critical period of preparation and evaluation. While some players have cemented their places in Gregg Berhalter’s plans, others face a make-or-break few months to prove their worth and secure a spot on the coveted roster. This analysis delves into the situations of ten USMNT players who have the most to gain – or lose – this winter, examining their recent form, club situations, and potential roles within the team.

1. Ricardo Pepi: Striking Opportunity Knocks

Ricardo Pepi’s journey has been a rollercoaster. After a high-profile move to Augsburg, he struggled to find the net in the Bundesliga. However, a loan spell to Groningen in the Eredivisie reignited his scoring touch. Now at PSV Eindhoven, he finds himself in a team consistently challenging for the Eredivisie title and playing in the Champions League. This winter is crucial for Pepi. He needs consistent playing time and goals to solidify his position as a leading candidate to lead the USMNT attack in 2026. The pressure is on to translate his potential into tangible results at a high level. He needs to show he can be a reliable goalscorer against top opposition, something that has been questioned in the past. His movement off the ball and finishing ability will be under intense scrutiny.

2. Folarin Balogun: Proving His Worth

Folarin Balogun’s decision to represent the USMNT was a major coup. However, his initial performances haven’t quite lived up to the hype. While he possesses undeniable talent, he needs to demonstrate greater consistency and tactical awareness within the USMNT system. Currently at Monaco, he needs to consistently lead the line and score goals. This winter is about solidifying his place in the starting eleven for both club and country. He needs to showcase his link-up play, his ability to hold up the ball, and his effectiveness in pressing from the front. The competition for places in the USMNT forward line is fierce, and Balogun needs to prove he deserves to be the first choice.

3. Malik Tillman: Finding Stability and a Defined Role

Malik Tillman’s career has been marked by flashes of brilliance interspersed with periods of inconsistency and uncertainty. After a loan spell at Rangers, he moved to PSV Eindhoven, then was loaned to Frankfurt. He needs to find a stable environment where he can consistently play and develop. His versatility is both a strength and a weakness; he can play as an attacking midfielder, winger, or even a forward. This winter is about defining his best position and showcasing his ability to impact games consistently. He needs to improve his decision-making in the final third and demonstrate a greater understanding of his tactical responsibilities. Berhalter needs to see that Tillman can be a reliable and impactful player, regardless of where he’s deployed.

4. Gio Reyna: Time to Deliver on Potential

Gio Reyna’s talent is undeniable, but injuries and off-field issues have hampered his progress. Currently with Nottingham Forest on loan from Dortmund, he needs a strong run of games to rediscover his form and confidence. This winter is a critical opportunity to prove that he can stay healthy and contribute consistently at a high level. Reyna needs to showcase his creativity, his dribbling ability, and his eye for goal. He also needs to demonstrate a greater willingness to track back and contribute defensively. The USMNT needs Reyna to be a key playmaker in 2026, but he needs to earn that role through consistent performances and a renewed commitment to his craft.

5. Weston McKennie: Re-establishing His Importance

Weston McKennie has been a mainstay in the USMNT midfield for years, but his form has fluctuated. After a loan to Leeds, he returned to Juventus. He needs to solidify his role in the Juventus squad and demonstrate his value as a box-to-box midfielder. This winter is about regaining his consistency and showcasing his leadership qualities. McKennie needs to be a dominant force in midfield, winning tackles, making intelligent runs, and contributing to both the attacking and defensive phases of the game. He also needs to improve his passing accuracy and decision-making in possession. With younger players emerging, McKennie needs to prove that he remains a vital cog in the USMNT machine.

6. Yunus Musah: Continued Growth and Tactical Refinement

Yunus Musah’s move to AC Milan was a significant step in his career. He’s a dynamic and athletic midfielder with immense potential. This winter is about continuing his development and refining his tactical understanding. Musah needs to improve his positional awareness, his decision-making in tight spaces, and his ability to dictate the tempo of the game. He also needs to add more goals and assists to his game. The USMNT midfield is becoming increasingly competitive, and Musah needs to prove that he can be a consistent performer at the highest level.

7. Sergino Dest: Redemption and Consistency

Sergino Dest’s career has been marked by inconsistency and a series of loan spells. After a good season at PSV, he suffered a torn ACL. His ability to recover and return to form will be key. When healthy, Dest possesses the talent to be a top-class right-back. This winter, and the subsequent recovery period, will be crucial for proving his fitness and mental fortitude. Dest needs to demonstrate that he can be a reliable defender and a dangerous attacking threat down the flank. He needs to improve his decision-making in possession and his defensive positioning. The USMNT needs a consistent and dependable right-back, and Dest has the potential to fill that role, but only if he can overcome his injury struggles.

8. Antonee Robinson: Solidifying His Left-Back Spot

Antonee Robinson has established himself as the first-choice left-back for the USMNT. Playing for Fulham in the Premier League, he consistently faces top-quality opposition. This winter is about maintaining his high level of performance and continuing to improve his game. Robinson needs to work on his crossing accuracy, his defensive positioning, and his ability to contribute to the attack. He also needs to be a vocal leader on the field. With the emergence of younger left-backs, Robinson needs to prove that he remains the undisputed starter for the USMNT.

9. Chris Richards: Seizing the Opportunity in Defense

Chris Richards has shown promise as a central defender, but he needs consistent playing time to develop. Currently with Crystal Palace, he needs to establish himself as a regular starter and showcase his defensive abilities. This winter is about seizing the opportunity and proving that he can be a reliable and commanding presence in the backline. Richards needs to improve his tackling, his aerial duels, and his distribution from the back. The USMNT needs a strong and dependable central defense, and Richards has the potential to be a key part of that, but he needs to earn his place through consistent performances.

10. Matt Turner: Maintaining His Grip on the Goalkeeping Position

Matt Turner has been the USMNT’s preferred goalkeeper, but his club situation has been uncertain. After moving from Arsenal to Nottingham Forest, he has the opportunity to secure regular playing time in the Premier League. This winter is about maintaining his form and proving that he is the undisputed number one for the USMNT. Turner needs to continue to showcase his shot-stopping ability, his command of the penalty area, and his distribution skills. He also needs to be a calming presence in the backline. With other goalkeepers vying for the starting spot, Turner needs to prove that he deserves to be the man between the posts for the USMNT in 2026.

Conclusion: A Winter of High Stakes

The upcoming winter months represent a crucial period for these ten USMNT players as they strive to solidify their places in the squad for the 2026 World Cup. Some are battling for playing time at their clubs, while others are looking to regain form or overcome injuries. The pressure is on to perform, impress, and demonstrate their value to Gregg Berhalter and the national team. The road to 2026 is paved with opportunity, and it’s up to these players to seize it.

FAQ

What is the biggest challenge facing Ricardo Pepi this winter?

The biggest challenge for Ricardo Pepi is securing consistent playing time and scoring goals at PSV Eindhoven. He needs to prove he can perform at a high level against top opposition and translate his potential into tangible results.

Why is this winter so important for Gio Reyna’s career?

This winter is crucial for Gio Reyna because he needs to stay healthy and consistently contribute to Nottingham Forest. He needs to rediscover his form, confidence, and prove he can be a reliable playmaker for both club and country after a tough period in his career.

What does Weston McKennie need to do to remain a key player for the USMNT?

Weston McKennie needs to regain his consistency at Juventus and showcase his leadership qualities. He needs to be a dominant force in midfield, winning tackles, making intelligent runs, and contributing to both the attacking and defensive phases of the game.

How can Chris Richards secure a spot in the USMNT’s central defense?

Chris Richards needs to establish himself as a regular starter at Crystal Palace and showcase his defensive abilities. He needs to improve his tackling, aerial duels, and distribution from the back to prove he can be a reliable and commanding presence in the backline.

What does Matt Turner need to do to maintain his position as the USMNT’s number one goalkeeper?

Matt Turner needs to maintain his form at Nottingham Forest and prove that he is the undisputed number one for the USMNT. He needs to continue to showcase his shot-stopping ability, command of the penalty area, and distribution skills.