Brenden Aaronson's Scorching Form Catches Mauricio Pochettino's Eye for USMNT Selection

The start of the new year has been favorable for American soccer players, with numerous individuals hitting their stride throughout Europe's premier competitions as the possibility of playing for the U.S. men's national squad in the 2026 World Cup approaches.

While certain players have secured their positions on the team, such as the impressive Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie and AC Milan forward Christian Pulisic, others continue to compete for their place in manager Mauricio Pochettino's squad.

Following several quiet weeks during the holiday period, the Bundesliga and Eredivisie return to action this weekend, while numerous Americans playing in England face off against fellow Stars and Stripes players in FA Cup matches.

Here's Sports Illustrated's examination of who will aim to make an impression in this weekend's fixtures.

Cole Campbell

Unless something extraordinary occurs, Cole Campbell won't be participating in the 2026 World Cup—but for those tracking the future of American soccer, he represents one of the most significant names to monitor.

The 19-year-old recently transferred to TSG Hoffenheim, currently positioned fifth in the Bundesliga, on a loan deal, after finding it difficult to secure playing time at powerhouse Borussia Dortmund.

Mainly operating as a winger who can also function in central positions, the former Atlanta United academy graduate relocated to Europe at age 15 and made his professional debut with Iceland's Hafnarfjarðar during the 2021-22 campaign. Subsequently, he appeared five times with Dortmund's first team and recorded 18 goals plus 19 assists over 52 matches at the U17 and U19 levels with Dortmund.

Through this transfer, he aims to secure more playing opportunities in the top division, and that journey commences on Saturday versus Werder Bremen.

Ricardo Pepi

The Eredivisie resumes for the first time in 2026 this weekend and considerable attention will focus on Ricardo Pepi as the competition intensifies for a striker position on USMNT's 26-man squad.

Pepi, who celebrated his 23rd birthday on Friday, experienced an excellent opening portion of the campaign, netting 10 goals over 21 appearances in all competitions for PSV Eindhoven—contributing to their position at the summit when the year changed. While his strong performance is notable, he must ensure this represents sustained excellence rather than merely early-season success, maintaining this standard through the summer's competition.

He is expected to feature in the starting eleven alongside USMNT and PSV teammate Sergiño Dest against Excelsior, who, until Wednesday, also featured a young American on their squad in 21-year-old Zach Booth, before sending him on loan to MLS club Real Salt Lake for 2026.

With Brenden Aaronson, Patrick Agyemang, Christian Pulisic and other European-based American offensive players performing well, it's crucial for Pepi to maintain his impressive scoring rate.

Aidan Morris

The leading three Americans to observe this weekend all participate in FA Cup action, beginning with Middlesbrough midfielder Aidan Morris, who, despite showing promise in autumn friendlies, remains on the periphery of the USMNT's 2026 World Cup considerations.

While he operated as an offensive force in a transitional double pivot with the USMNT, his function at Boro this season has primarily been in a defensive midfield capacity alongside Hayden Hackney—where he has contributed to their second-place position in the EFL Championship through 20 appearances.

This weekend he faces Fulham in the FA Cup's third round, with an opportunity to shine against a Premier League team that includes USMNT fullback Antonee Robinson.

Morris continues searching for his inaugural goal of the season and has provided only two assists during 2025–26. Nevertheless, he has excelled in other aspects, completing an outstanding 70 passes in last week's 4–0 victory over Southampton.

Patrick Agyemang

Three consecutive matches without finding the net for Patrick Agyemang is concerning for a forward who wagered on himself this season to make an impact in the Championship with Derby County, rather than staying in MLS as a standout striker with Charlotte FC.

Prior to his current barren run, remaining scoreless across 209 minutes against Wrexham, Middlesbrough and Leicester City collectively, he had found the back of the net four times in six matches and appeared destined for USMNT selection.

However, his statistics have declined to six goals in 22 appearances this season and the recent period has witnessed him encounter more difficulties than during the initial phases of his tenure with the English club, when he competed for a starting position.

This weekend presents him with a matchup against one of the most impressive American attacking talents, Brenden Aaronson, as Derby encounters Leeds United in the FA Cup. At this stage, Agyemang might not secure a spot on the final World Cup roster—but Aaronson is demonstrating he could potentially provide service for whoever claims the starting forward positions.

Brenden Aaronson

Not long ago, Brenden Aaronson's World Cup aspirations appeared finished. He was failing to make a meaningful contribution with Leeds United in the Premier League and there was no certainty he would even stay at Elland Road. Currently, he has tallied three goals and one assist in his previous four Premier League outings.

The 25-year-old has positioned himself as a crucial attacking midfield option for Daniel Farke, and is benefiting from a tactical adjustment by the manager. Midweek action witnessed him score twice in Leeds' exciting 4–3 loss at Newcastle United, following his goal against Manchester United. Before that, Aaronson had played an integral part in a 12-pass sequence leading to one of Leeds' finest goals of the campaign.

While attacking and central midfield represent areas of depth for the USMNT, Aaronson's current form positions him to feature in the World Cup starting lineup, a remarkable transformation after he seemed to be falling out of roster contention in the autumn. Now, he simply needs to maintain this level.

This weekend features his Leeds team meeting Agyemang's Derby County in the FA Cup's third round, where the West Yorkshire outfit will enter as strong favorites as the Premier League representative.