How the 2026 World Cup Winter Window Can Shape USMNT’s Future Stars

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

With the 2026 World Cup on home soil looming large, the upcoming winter transfer window and the subsequent months of club competition represent a pivotal period for numerous USMNT players. Gregg Berhalter and his staff will be meticulously evaluating performances, seeking to solidify the core group while also identifying potential game-changers who can elevate the team’s chances of success. This isn’t just about playing time; it’s about demonstrating form, consistency, and the ability to thrive under pressure. Here’s a look at 10 players who have the most to gain – or lose – this winter as they strive to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup squad.

1. Ricardo Pepi: Finding Consistent Goalscoring Form

Ricardo Pepi’s journey has been a rollercoaster. After a high-profile move to Augsburg that didn’t pan out, he revitalized his career with a successful loan spell at Groningen in the Eredivisie and a permanent move to PSV Eindhoven. While he has shown glimpses of his potential, becoming a consistent goalscorer for PSV and the USMNT is crucial. He needs to be converting chances regularly, showcasing his clinical finishing and proving he can be the reliable striker the USMNT desperately needs. The winter months offer him the chance to build on his momentum and solidify his place as a key attacking option. His competition includes Folarin Balogun, Josh Sargent (when fit), and Daryl Dike (returning from injury). Pepi needs to outshine them all.

2. Folarin Balogun: Cementing His Place as the Number One Striker

Folarin Balogun’s decision to represent the United States was a major coup for US Soccer. He immediately showed his quality, but he needs to consistently perform at a high level for both club and country. After a strong loan spell at Reims, he moved to Monaco. He needs to prove he can be the consistent, reliable goalscorer the USMNT has been searching for. A strong winter, filled with goals and impactful performances, will solidify his position as the undisputed number one striker heading into the World Cup.

3. Brenden Aaronson: Reclaiming His Spark

Brenden Aaronson’s move to the Bundesliga with Union Berlin hasn’t gone as planned. After a promising start to his career at Red Bull Salzburg and a decent first season at Leeds United, he needs to rediscover his confidence and form. A loan move in January could be the catalyst he needs to reignite his career. He needs to find a club where he can play regularly, showcase his creativity, and contribute with goals and assists. The USMNT needs Aaronson at his best, providing energy and attacking threat from midfield.

4. Gio Reyna: Staying Fit and Finding a Consistent Role

Gio Reyna’s talent is undeniable, but his career has been plagued by injuries and inconsistencies. A move to Nottingham Forest on loan from Borussia Dortmund hasn’t materialized into consistent playing time. Staying healthy is paramount. He needs to find a club where he can play regularly, showcase his creativity, and contribute with goals and assists. He needs to find a consistent role, whether it’s as a number 10, a winger, or even a central midfielder. His versatility is an asset, but he needs to find a position where he can truly thrive.

5. Sergino Dest: Maintaining Form and Avoiding Setbacks

Sergino Dest’s career has been a series of ups and downs. After a promising spell at Ajax, he struggled to find consistency at Barcelona and AC Milan. His move to PSV Eindhoven has been a positive step, and he’s been playing regularly and performing well. However, he needs to maintain this form and avoid any setbacks. He needs to stay healthy, continue to improve his defensive game, and contribute to the attack. A strong winter will solidify his position as the first-choice right-back for the USMNT.

6. Weston McKennie: Solidifying His Role in Midfield

Weston McKennie is a key player for the USMNT, providing energy, physicality, and a box-to-box presence. However, he needs to continue to improve his consistency and decision-making. He needs to be more disciplined defensively, more accurate with his passing, and more clinical in front of goal. He faces competition from Yunus Musah, Luca de la Torre, and potentially others. A strong winter will solidify his role as a key midfielder for the USMNT.

7. Christian Pulisic: Leading by Example

Christian Pulisic is the face of the USMNT, and he needs to continue to lead by example. He has been performing well for AC Milan, showcasing his dribbling skills, creativity, and goalscoring ability. He needs to maintain this form and continue to be a difference-maker for both club and country. He needs to be a leader on and off the field, inspiring his teammates and driving the team forward. His experience playing at the highest level will be crucial for the USMNT’s chances of success in 2026.

8. Malik Tillman: Carving Out a Niche

Malik Tillman, on loan at PSV Eindhoven from Bayern Munich, possesses immense potential but needs consistent playing time to fully realize it. He’s shown glimpses of brilliance, but needs to translate that into consistent performances. The winter months are crucial for him to carve out a niche for himself at PSV or potentially seek a loan move where he can play more regularly. His versatility – capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or winger – is a valuable asset, but he needs to define his role and consistently deliver.

9. Antonee Robinson: Locking Down the Left-Back Spot

Antonee Robinson has established himself as the first-choice left-back for the USMNT with his solid performances for Fulham. However, he can’t afford to rest on his laurels. He needs to continue to improve his defensive game, particularly his tackling and positioning. He also needs to become more effective in the attack, providing more crosses and contributing to the build-up play. A strong winter will cement his place as the undisputed starter at left-back.

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

Matt Turner has been the USMNT’s preferred goalkeeper, but he faces competition from Zack Steffen (when fit) and others. Turner needs to maintain his grip on the starting position by continuing to perform well for Nottingham Forest. He needs to be commanding in his area, make crucial saves, and distribute the ball effectively. A strong winter will solidify his place as the number one goalkeeper heading into the World Cup. The margin for error is slim, and any slip-ups could open the door for his rivals.

The Stakes Are High

The next few months are not just about individual performances; they’re about building team chemistry, solidifying tactical understanding, and creating a winning mentality. Gregg Berhalter will be closely monitoring these players, looking for those who are not only talented but also possess the mental fortitude and work ethic to thrive under pressure. The competition for roster spots will be fierce, and only those who consistently perform at the highest level will earn the right to represent the United States on the world’s biggest stage in 2026. The winter months will be a proving ground, a crucible where dreams are forged and shattered. For these 10 players, the opportunity is there to seize their moment and write their names into USMNT history.

FAQ Section

How important is club form for USMNT selection?

Club form is extremely important. Gregg Berhalter and his staff prioritize players who are playing regularly and performing well for their clubs. Consistent playing time allows players to maintain match fitness, develop their skills, and build confidence. Players who are struggling for playing time or form at their clubs are less likely to be selected for the USMNT.

What are the key qualities Berhalter looks for in a USMNT player?

Berhalter looks for a combination of technical skill, tactical understanding, physical fitness, and mental strength. He wants players who are comfortable on the ball, can make smart decisions under pressure, are physically capable of competing at a high level, and possess the mental fortitude to perform in crucial moments. Teamwork, work ethic, and a willingness to learn are also highly valued.

How much influence will MLS performances have on World Cup roster selection?

MLS performances will definitely be considered, but European-based players generally have an advantage due to the higher level of competition. However, players who are consistently performing well in MLS and demonstrating improvement have a chance to earn a roster spot. Berhalter has shown a willingness to give opportunities to MLS players who are in form.

What positions are the most competitive within the USMNT squad?

The attacking positions, particularly striker and winger, are highly competitive. There are also several players vying for spots in central midfield. The goalkeeper position is also a battle between Matt Turner and other contenders. The full-back positions are relatively settled, but there is always competition for places.

Can a player who isn’t currently on the radar force their way into the World Cup squad?

Yes, it’s possible, although it’s a long shot. A player who is consistently performing at a high level for their club and demonstrating significant improvement could catch Berhalter’s eye. However, they would need to make a very strong impression in a short amount of time and prove that they can contribute to the team both on and off the field.