The U.S. men’s national soccer team is in a crucial World Cup year, with athletes competing for a place in Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-man roster. Before that, Pochettino will look to finalize his selections for friendlies against Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta this March.
Even if Pochettino makes the final training camp call in late May, there’s no assurance that he’ll make the summer roster. Additionally, missing March won’t exclude a player from World Cup contention.
advertisement
Over the next couple of months, Pochettino and his coaching team will carefully assess player performances at their respective clubs before extending invitations. Unless injuries arise, most of the typical selections are likely to remain. However, some up-and-coming contenders could bolster their chances with impressive showings in European leagues, Major League Soccer, and Mexico’s Liga MX.
Here’s a look at the ten highest-earning players:
Ricardo Pepi of PSV Eindhoven is eager to secure a place in the USMNT for the 2026 World Cup.
(NurPhoto, Getty Images)
Ricardo Pepi’s Resurgence
Having returned to the starting lineup for PSV Eindhoven, the Texas-born forward is eager to ascend the ranks within the U.S. team. After struggling with injury and limited playtime, Pepi is vying for a spot as Folarin Balogun of Monaco emerges as a leading player, with Haji Wright of Coventry City also proving to be a solid option.
advertisement
As Pepi approaches his 23rd birthday on Friday, he has scored in five of his last six matches, totaling five goals and two assists in seven matches prior to the winter break. Overall, in all competitions, he has netted 10 goals and provided three assists in 21 appearances, making him a sought-after player in the transfer market; PSV reportedly rejected a $35 million bid from Fulham.
Gio Reyna, Borussia Mönchengladbach
The talented midfielder has solidified his role in the U.S. team following a strong showing in November, earning his first call-up since March. To keep his spot in Pochettino’s plans, the 23-year-old must secure a starting position at Monchengladbach, where he joined from Borussia Dortmund last summer.
Although Reyna began the season mainly as a substitute, he started the last four games before the winter break but received mixed reviews; he has yet to register a goal or assist this season.
advertisement
Noakai Banks, FC Augsburg
A 19-year-old center back who has yet to represent the U.S. team, Banks is drawing interest as the World Cup approaches. The Hawaii-born player received his first senior call-up in September but did not play in the friendlies, yet has been a consistent starter for Augsburg in the Bundesliga.
Pochettino’s defensive options are still developing; he has used a variety of players including Chris Richards from Crystal Palace and Tim Ream from Charlotte, among others, while some are recovering from injuries.
Johnny Cardoso, Atletico Madrid
With a club trajectory that includes a significant transfer to Atletico Madrid, the 24-year-old midfielder is positioned to be a regular for the U.S. team. Though injuries have impacted his national team performance, consistent playing time at Atlético could provide an opportunity for redemption under Pochettino.
advertisement
Patrick Agyeman, Derby County
The 6-foot-4 forward took a risk by leaving a stable MLS position to join Derby County in the uncertain English Championship. If he stays on the bench, Agyeman’s World Cup aspirations may fade, but he has already made a mark with six goals and three assists in 19 starts, including a standout performance with two goals against Sheffield Wednesday last month.
advertisement
Alex Zendejas, Club America
The only Liga MX candidate under serious consideration, the skilled winger has excelled at Club America and made a notable impact on the national team, including a remarkable volley goal against Japan. However, injury has sidelined him, disrupting his potential involvement.
Luca de la Torre, Charlotte FC
The 27-year-old midfielder has 32 caps and could regain focus after transferring to Charlotte FC, following limited play at San Diego. However, with the regular season not kicking off until February, time is running short for him to make his case.
advertisement
Yunus Moussa, Atalanta
Once a key figure for the U.S. team with 47 caps before the age of 23, Moussa has been absent since last March’s Nations League final. Since joining Atalanta on loan from AC Milan, he has mainly come off the bench, but his recent uptick in playing time suggests he may feature more prominently soon.
Josh Sargent, Norwich City
While Pochettino and fans may have doubts about Sargent’s scoring potential, he has consistently tallied goals in England’s second division. Despite his impressive record, he has not found the net for the U.S. since November 2019.
advertisement
Damion Downs, Hamburg
A loan move to Hamburg from Southampton might rejuvenate the 6-foot-4 striker’s career. He has been inactive since November but this change could spark a new trajectory for him.
Fan Take: This news highlights the competitive landscape as players strive for their spot on the U.S. squad, adding excitement as the World Cup approaches. Fans should keep an eye on emerging talents, as their performances could define the future of American soccer on the global stage.
