The U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup, with key players showcasing their skills during the current European club season. Among them, Christian Pulisic has emerged as an indispensable asset for the USMNT, proving his value even amidst injuries and illness. As the countdown to the tournament on home soil continues, Pulisic’s recent performances suggest he is poised to play a significant role.
As the European football season approaches its halfway mark, players are experiencing varied levels of competition. While leagues like the Premier League continue through the busy holiday season, Major League Soccer is currently in its off-season. This dynamic allows players like Pulisic to maintain focus and form, which is crucial for the national team as they look ahead to the World Cup.
During a challenging period, Pulisic faced a hamstring injury in October, sidelining him for nearly a month. Following that, he encountered another muscle injury that kept him out of a match against Lazio on November 29. Most recently, he battled through illness, describing himself as feeling “dead” just a day prior to a critical match against Torino. Yet, in a display reminiscent of Michael Jordan’s famed “Flu Game,” Pulisic entered the match in the 66th minute and quickly made an impact, scoring within a minute and later netting the game-winner, leading AC Milan to a 3-2 victory. This performance placed Pulisic among the top scorers in Serie A, tied with Lautaro Martínez of Inter Milan with seven goals this season.
While there may be a strong desire to protect Pulisic from injury leading up to the World Cup, his current form makes him a certainty in the USMNT lineup. Manager Mauricio Pochettino has acknowledged Pulisic’s status, emphasizing that he is among the few players guaranteed a starting position.
Another player making strides is Noahkai Banks, a center back for FC Augsburg. The 19-year-old has recently become a consistent presence in Augsburg’s lineup, starting the last nine league matches. Despite a tough outing in a 3-0 defeat to TSG Hoffenheim on November 28, Banks rebounded with a strong performance in a surprising 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. As the Bundesliga approaches its winter break, Banks has the opportunity to solidify his position ahead of the next international window in March.
Meanwhile, Josh Sargent, a forward for Norwich City, finally found the back of the net after a lengthy dry spell. Sargent scored a diving header against Watford, marking his first goal since a brace against Blackburn Rovers on August 30. Although Norwich ultimately lost the match 3-2, Sargent’s recent performances could signal a turning point, though he still faces stiff competition from players like Folarin Balogun of AS Monaco and Ricardo Pepi of PSV Eindhoven.
Balogun continues to impress, having scored the only goal in a UEFA Champions League match against Galatasaray, marking his third consecutive game with a goal in the tournament—an achievement unprecedented for an American player. With ten goals this season across club and country, Balogun is positioning himself firmly within the USMNT roster discussions.
In the midfield, Weston McKennie of Juventus has also been a topic of conversation. Manager Luciano Spalletti praised McKennie’s determination and versatility, noting his ability to adapt and take on challenging plays. McKennie has been effective for Juventus, even scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 Champions League victory over Pafos. As the national team considers its midfield options, McKennie’s experience and skill set may prove invaluable, particularly as competition intensifies with players like Gio Reyna and Malik Tillman also vying for positions.
As the World Cup approaches, the USMNT’s roster will be heavily influenced by players’ performances in the coming months. With 183 days remaining until the team is announced, the focus will remain on maintaining form and fitness, particularly for pivotal players like Pulisic, Banks, Sargent, and McKennie. The upcoming matches will not only shape individual careers but also the collective future of the USMNT as they prepare for a monumental tournament on home soil.
