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It wasn't the dream summer the U.S. men's national team had hoped for as co-host of the 2026 World Cup, yet it still provided some optimism for the country's future on the men's international stage.
While the World Cup won't return to North America next time, it could showcase some of today's top young U.S. Soccer talents, and those currently under 20 may be competing as seasoned veterans when the tournament potentially comes back to North America in 2038.
Here, Sports Illustrated highlights five names to watch as the USMNT enters its next chapter.
Noahkai Banks
Had Noahkai Banks made a decision, there's a strong chance he would have been on the roster this summer. The 19-year-old center back ranks among the finest defenders in the USMNT pool, yet has yet to determine whether his international future belongs to Germany or the U.S., as he holds eligibility for both nations.
With Tim Ream likely wrapping up his USMNT career and a starting spot at center back up for grabs, the Stars and Stripes could present a compelling opportunity. Interestingly, Banks has featured U.S. Soccer in his Instagram bio for months, despite never formally committing to the senior squad.
In his young career, he has already accumulated 31 first-team appearances for Augsburg in the Bundesliga, Germany's top flight, and other competitions, and last season he started 20 of the club's 34 league matches.
The 6'3" center back may not carry the same physical presence as Ream, but should he commit, he would bring a more technically refined defensive option alongside Chris Richards, with expectations of remaining in Germany at least through his current contract expiring in 2029.
Zavier Gozo
Among the brightest young MLS talents, Zavier Gozo stands out from the crowd. The 19-year-old made a compelling late push for a spot on this summer's USMNT, but ultimately didn't have enough time to win over Pochettino despite a remarkable start to the season with Real Salt Lake.
In his second full campaign, he has registered six goals and five assists across 14 games and is a creative, elusive force on a team that doesn't overflow with talent. Having already impressed at the youth national team level, expect him to earn a senior call-up in the near future and grow into a key contributor by 2030.
Julian Hall
The USMNT found its primary striker in Folarin Balogun, but what about a younger option who has already demonstrated a natural eye for goal in MLS at just 18 years old?
Julian Zakrzewski Hall has tallied nine goals and four assists in 15 games for a youthful New York Red Bulls side this season, and is already in his fourth MLS campaign. Early in his career, he was required to leave matches partway through and was prohibited from playing after 7 p.m. due to New Jersey labor laws restricting those under 16.
Now eligible for full matches, the team has enjoyed a breakout season under former USMNT midfielder Michael Bradley, who is serving his first year as head coach. Hall's impressive output earned him a place on the MLS All-Star roster as well.
The key question, however, is whether the USMNT can secure his commitment, as the Polish national team — for which he qualifies through his mother — has already begun its recruitment efforts.
Diego Kochen
USMNT goalkeeping isn't what it once was in Tim Howard's era. Diego Kochen may well be the most promising young goalkeeper capable of making a significant impact in the years ahead. What happens next in his development, however, will be crucial.
Last season, he spent the majority of the year as a backup at FC Barcelona as a 20-year-old shot-stopper. While training in that elite environment was undoubtedly valuable, he is taking a bold new step in 2026–27.
This fall, the Miami-born keeper will join Danish Superligaen side Lyngby on loan from Barcelona, where he aims to establish himself as the No. 1 and position himself for a USMNT call-up and a berth on the squad for the 2028 LA Olympics.
Cavan Sullivan
If there's one name you'll be hearing a great deal of — if you haven't already — it's 16-year-old midfielder Cavan Sullivan. Currently with the Philadelphia Union, the same club that developed Brendan Aaronson, Mark McKenzie and Auston Trusty, he is pre-contracted to Manchester City and will join the Premier League powerhouse upon turning 18.
While Philadelphia head coach Bradley Carnell hasn't handed him many opportunities, his playing time increased in the lead-up to the World Cup, with the 2025 Supporters' Shield holders sitting at the bottom of the table, well outside MLS Cup playoff contention.
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Earlier this year, Sullivan became the youngest American to score in the Concacaf Champions Cup and followed it up with his first MLS goal, making him the eighth-youngest scorer in league history at 16 years and 227 days old.
Given that he will be 20 at the next World Cup, there is a strong likelihood he'll be a key figure by then, with valuable Premier League experience already behind him.