Meet the 26 US Men's National Team Players Striving to Win a World Cup on Home Soil
Notable or quotable: McKennie's versatility has been a significant asset to the USMNT, with the ability to play in various roles, including as a box-to-box midfielder or even as a right winger.
Club: Lille (France) | Position: Attacker
Debut: March 21, 2019, vs. Ecuador
Look for him to ... bring his speed and agility to the pitch, potentially causing problems for opposing defenses with his quick movements and ability to find space behind the backline.
Notable or quotable: Weah's father, George Weah, is a former FIFA World Player of the Year and current President of Liberia, making him a unique figure in the world of football.
Club: Valencia (Spain) | Position: Attacker
Debut: Sept. 5, 2019, vs. Mexico
Look for him to ... provide a physical presence up front, using his size and strength to hold up the ball and bring others into play, potentially creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Notable or quotable: Sargent has been open about his experiences with racism in the sport, using his platform to raise awareness and promote diversity and inclusion.
Club: Leeds United (England) | Position: Midfielder
Debut: Jan. 27, 2021, vs. Trinidad and Tobago
Look for him to ... offer a creative spark in the midfield, with his vision and passing range allowing him to pick out teammates in advanced positions and create scoring chances.
Notable or quotable: Aaronson's move to Leeds United marked a significant milestone in his career, becoming one of the most expensive American transfers in history.
Pochettino's decision on McKennie's position will be crucial, as his versatility could be a game-changer in various roles. Meanwhile, other players are expected to make significant contributions, including Pepi, who is clinical in front of goal and could pose a threat to established strikers.
Pulisic, as the team's most talented player, is anticipated to be the difference-maker in crucial moments, while Aaronson is expected to excel in the less glamorous aspects of the game, such as recovering balls and winning fouls.
In defense, players like Robinson and Ream will be vital, with the former's aerial ability and the latter's experience and leadership set to be key assets. Other defenders, such as Freeman, are looking to break out and make a name for themselves on the international stage.
The midfield will also be an area of interest, with players like Roldan and the young midfielder from Vancouver Whitecaps looking to create opportunities from set pieces and cause problems for opponents with their high level of tackles and defensive interventions.
Club: Club América (Mexico) | Position: Attacker
Debut: Jan. 25, 2023, vs. Serbia
Look for him to bring an added layer of creativity to the U.S. attack, with his ability to play across various positions in the front line. His experience playing in Mexico could also provide valuable insight into the team's opponents from the region.
The U.S. squad's attacking depth will be further bolstered by the presence of players like Tillman, who can cause chaos in the attacking third with his aerial ability and willingness to dive into tackles. Meanwhile, Wright's direct striker option and rapid, winger-like qualities make him a crucial figure during transition moments.
In defense, players like McKenzie and Scally will be looking to make an impact, with the former possibly gaining more minutes than expected on the back line and the latter showing off his flexibility as a defender. The team's goalkeeping options, including Freese and Turner, will also play a vital role in the tournament, with Freese's decision-making skills and Turner's experience making them both strong contenders for the starting spot.
As the team prepares for the World Cup, players like Balogun and Weah will be looking to make a significant impact, with Balogun's pace and technical ability making him a headache for opposing defenders and Weah's versatility as a fullback or winger providing options for Pochettino.
Zendejas' ability to break down stubborn defensive opponents with his clever dribbling and ball movement will be a valuable asset to the team. With some fine-tuned vision supporting his decision-making, he could become one of the more dynamic attackers for the U.S. His unique background, having previously played for Mexico's senior national team, makes him a notable figure, as he is only the fifth player to have been capped by both the U.S. and Mexico.
Club: Lille (France) | Position: Attacker
Debut: March 21, 2019, vs. Ecuador
Look for him to ... bring his speed and agility to the pitch, potentially causing problems for opposing defenses with his quick movements and ability to find space behind the backline.
Notable or quotable: Weah's father, George Weah, is a former FIFA World Player of the Year and current President of Liberia, making him a unique figure in the world of football.
Club: Valencia (Spain) | Position: Attacker
Debut: Sept. 5, 2019, vs. Mexico
Look for him to ... provide a physical presence up front, using his size and strength to hold up the ball and bring others into play, potentially creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Notable or quotable: Sargent has been open about his experiences with racism in the sport, using his platform to raise awareness and promote diversity and inclusion.
Club: Leeds United (England) | Position: Midfielder
Debut: Jan. 27, 2021, vs. Trinidad and Tobago
Look for him to ... offer a creative spark in the midfield, with his vision and passing range allowing him to pick out teammates in advanced positions and create scoring chances.
Notable or quotable: Aaronson's move to Leeds United marked a significant milestone in his career, becoming one of the most expensive American transfers in history.
Pochettino's decision on McKennie's position will be crucial, as his versatility could be a game-changer in various roles. Meanwhile, other players are expected to make significant contributions, including Pepi, who is clinical in front of goal and could pose a threat to established strikers.
Pulisic, as the team's most talented player, is anticipated to be the difference-maker in crucial moments, while Aaronson is expected to excel in the less glamorous aspects of the game, such as recovering balls and winning fouls.
In defense, players like Robinson and Ream will be vital, with the former's aerial ability and the latter's experience and leadership set to be key assets. Other defenders, such as Freeman, are looking to break out and make a name for themselves on the international stage.
The midfield will also be an area of interest, with players like Roldan and the young midfielder from Vancouver Whitecaps looking to create opportunities from set pieces and cause problems for opponents with their high level of tackles and defensive interventions.
Club: Club América (Mexico) | Position: Attacker
Debut: Jan. 25, 2023, vs. Serbia
Look for him to bring an added layer of creativity to the U.S. attack, with his ability to play across various positions in the front line. His experience playing in Mexico could also provide valuable insight into the team's opponents from the region.
The U.S. squad's attacking depth will be further bolstered by the presence of players like Tillman, who can cause chaos in the attacking third with his aerial ability and willingness to dive into tackles. Meanwhile, Wright's direct striker option and rapid, winger-like qualities make him a crucial figure during transition moments.
In defense, players like McKenzie and Scally will be looking to make an impact, with the former possibly gaining more minutes than expected on the back line and the latter showing off his flexibility as a defender. The team's goalkeeping options, including Freese and Turner, will also play a vital role in the tournament, with Freese's decision-making skills and Turner's experience making them both strong contenders for the starting spot.
As the team prepares for the World Cup, players like Balogun and Weah will be looking to make a significant impact, with Balogun's pace and technical ability making him a headache for opposing defenders and Weah's versatility as a fullback or winger providing options for Pochettino.
Zendejas' ability to break down stubborn defensive opponents with his clever dribbling and ball movement will be a valuable asset to the team. With some fine-tuned vision supporting his decision-making, he could become one of the more dynamic attackers for the U.S. His unique background, having previously played for Mexico's senior national team, makes him a notable figure, as he is only the fifth player to have been capped by both the U.S. and Mexico.
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