Five Rising Stars Battle for USMNT World Cup 2026 Spots in Make-or-Break Weekend
The 2026 World Cup takes place this year, leaving minimal time for fringe players in the U.S. men's national team to earn their place on Mauricio Pochettino's squad.
Multiple American players have likely secured their position in the Argentine coach's 26-man selection through an outstanding 2025, while others must utilize the remaining portion of the 2025–26 season to elevate their performance and become undeniable selections.
Those participating in MLS, however, will be utilizing the off-season as an ideal chance to rest and recharge, before returning with renewed energy as the USMNT aims to dominate their group stage and make significant impact in the tournament's later rounds.
Here's Sports Illustrated's examination of five players who have an excellent chance to demonstrate their abilities to Pochettino this weekend.
5. George Campbell
Fixture: Leicester City vs. West Bromwich Albion
Date and Time: Monday, Jan. 5 - 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT
Channel: Paramount+
George Campbell is experiencing his debut season in the EFL Championship following his departure from CF Montréal to West Brom during the summer. The 24-year-old defender has rapidly adapted to European football and has featured in 19 league matches thus far.
This weekend marks Campbell's return to action for the second occasion this calendar year—West Brom suffered defeat against Swansea on New Year's Day—but he'll aim to build upon his display in the Baggies' most recent outing. He netted his maiden goal in a 2-1 victory over QPR, while also winning eight duels and regaining possession five times.
The USMNT possesses solid depth at center back, but a strong sequence of performances could place Campbell squarely on Pochettino's radar.
4. Tanner Tessmann
Fixture: Monaco vs. Lyon
Date and Time: Saturday, Jan. 3 - 11:00 a.m. ET/ 8:00 a.m. PT
Channel: Fanatiz USA, FuboTV, beIN Sports Connect
Tanner Tessman earned selection for the USMNT's autumn friendlies, though he wasn't a regular fixture throughout 2025. He performed admirably in the three victories and single draw against Ecuador, Australia, Paraguay and Uruguay—and has carried that momentum into a promising opening half of 2025–26 with Lyon.
While the 24-year-old may not yet be guaranteed a World Cup berth, he's progressing positively, establishing himself as a consistent defensive midfield option for the Ligue 1 powerhouse.
This weekend likely sees him face off against Folarin Balogun as fifth-placed Lyon travels to ninth-positioned Monaco, marking their first competitive action since their Coupe de France Round of 64 victory on Dec. 21.
3. Yunus Musah
Fixture: Atalanta vs. AS Roma
Date and Time: Saturday, Jan. 3 - 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT
Channel: Paramount+, FuboTV, DAZN USA, FOX Deportes, Fox Sports App, CBS Sports Golazo
Yunus Musah appeared to be a certain selection for the USMNT's World Cup roster twelve months ago, but 2025 didn't unfold as expected. He endured difficulties during the Concacaf Nations League, and his transfer from AC Milan to Atalanta seeking increased playing time hasn't materialized—he's only started two of Atalanta's 17 Serie A fixtures this campaign, making seven additional substitute appearances.
Currently 10th in the standings, Atalanta welcomes AS Roma this week, with Musah hoping to capitalize on the 45 minutes he featured in their latest match, a 1–0 defeat to league-leading Inter Milan. Nevertheless, that showing saw him deliver five passes into the attacking third and complete three recoveries.
Though he may not be in the starting eleven, any playing time against title-challenging Roma will provide valuable experience as his team pursues the final European qualification spot, presently occupied by Cesc Fabregas' Como.
2. Patrick Agyemang
Fixture: Derby County vs. Wrexham
Date and Time: Sunday, Jan. 4 - 10:30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. PT
Channel: CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, FuboTV
Securing a forward position for the USMNT at the World Cup won't be straightforward for Patrick Agyemang. Realistically, earning a roster spot will be challenging.
However, the standout performer from the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup can find encouragement in Pochettino's experimentation with a 3-5-2 formation, potentially creating additional playing opportunities for a traditional striker.
He's maintained decent form for Championship club Derby County, netting six goals across 21 appearances this season, and recently scored twice against bottom-placed Sheffield Wednesday. Now, he must seize the chance to showcase his talents when Derby faces Wrexham—a match carrying significantly higher visibility due to the Hollywood-owned club's remarkable story.
1. Brenden Aaronson
Fixture: Leeds United vs. Manchester United
Date and Time: Sunday, Jan. 4 - 7:30 a.m. E.T. / 4:30 a.m. PT
Channel: USA Network, NBC Sports App
Displaying some of his finest football in recent memory, Brenden Aaronson is approaching guaranteed selection for the USMNT, despite his recent international displays being somewhat disappointing.
Following his role in orchestrating a 12-pass sequence leading to one of Leeds' finest goals this season during a 1–1 stalemate with Sunderland to close 2025, Aaronson featured for 70 minutes in a goalless New Year's Day encounter with champions Liverpool.
He's operated mainly as an attacking midfielder—a role where the USMNT has considerable depth—but his most effective contributions have emerged on the right wing. There's no superior method for Aaronson to continue demonstrating his capabilities than by helping defeat Leeds' fierce rivals Manchester United on Sunday—achieving this would assist in pulling his team further from the relegation zone in a competition Pochettino is renowned for admiring.