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The U.S. men's national team's World Cup journey may have come to a painful conclusion, but there are still plenty of bright spots to draw from this summer's tournament.
There were memorable wins over Paraguay and Australia, a first knockout round victory in 22 years against Bosnia and Herzegovina and, of course, some truly standout individual performances on home turf.
Mauricio Pochettino, aside from the final showdown with Belgium, successfully unlocked the potential of his squad, frequently adjusting his tactical setup to play to their strengths. As a result, many players flourished on the biggest stage under the gaze of a global audience.
Naturally, those who shone brightest now face a summer filled with transfer rumors. With that in mind, here are some of the Americans who could be on the move in a big way.
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun, through no fault of his own, found himself at the center of the tournament's most controversial moment, but that shouldn't overshadow a string of outstanding performances on the pitch. It all began in the USMNT's opening match, where the 25-year-old demonstrated his lethal finishing with a first-half double that dismantled Paraguay.
Balogun continued his scoring run against Bosnia and Herzegovina before being shown a contentious red card that sparked unprecedented turmoil, and his third goal of the tournament equaled the second-highest tally ever scored by an American at a single World Cup. Whether leading the line alone or partnering Christian Pulisic, the former Arsenal academy product was a constant threat.
Monaco fans are already well aware of his goal-scoring ability. Balogun arrived at the World Cup having netted 19 goals across all competitions for the Ligue 1 club last season, comfortably his most productive campaign at the club and the second-most fruitful of his career (trailing only the 22 goals he scored with Reims in 2022–23).
Some may feel Balogun is best suited to a club of Monaco's stature, but given his age and the commercial appeal of having a high-profile American on the books, larger clubs may well be monitoring him closely.
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Malik Tillman
Malik Tillman is another USMNT player already at a respectable club in Bayer Leverkusen, but one who may now attract attention from even bigger outfits. The midfielder, who developed through the Bayern Munich academy before breaking out at PSV Eindhoven, undoubtedly raised his profile at this tournament.
Two free-kick goals will draw the most headlines, but it was arguably his defensive work that left the deepest impression. A key component of the USMNT's high-pressing style, Tillman topped the charts for winning possession in the attacking third, forcing 1.3 turnovers per game through his relentless pressing.
In possession, the 24-year-old is an elegant and composed operator, registering seven chances created and one assist across his five tournament appearances. Tillman is also highly adaptable, equally effective in central or wide positions, which only adds to his attractiveness as a transfer target.
Following a somewhat underwhelming first season at Leverkusen, this was precisely the shot in the arm Tillman required. Europe's top clubs may soon be paying close attention.
Alex Freeman
Alex Freeman only made his senior international debut in June 2025, yet he has already established himself as one of the most sought-after players in the Stars and Stripes setup. A strong World Cup showing has only added to his growing reputation.
Freeman started four of the team's five matches, shifting between right back and right-sided center back within Pochettino's flexible system. The Villarreal youngster excelled in both positions, making his mark with crunching tackles and imposing physicality.
The 21-year-old topped the USMNT charts for tackles won per game (3.4) and also led his teammates by winning 73.7% of aerial duels and 67.6% of ground challenges. Very few attackers were able to get the better of him either technically or physically.
Given his age, interest will be plentiful, though he only arrived at Villarreal in January. He is certainly a name to keep an eye on this summer and in the years ahead.
Sebastian Berhalter
Sebastian Berhalter was not afforded many opportunities to showcase his abilities at the World Cup, finding it difficult to break into a settled midfield trio of Tillman, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie. Yet whenever he was given the chance to perform, he seized it emphatically.
The son of former USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter was outstanding in his sole start, commanding the midfield in the 3–2 group stage defeat to Türkiye. He scored and provided an assist in that loss, delivering such a compelling performance that many questioned why Pochettino didn't hand him a start against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ultimately, he featured for just three minutes in the round of 32 clash, with slightly more meaningful cameos against Australia and Belgium on either side of that game. The 25-year-old also played the entire second half against Paraguay, during which he was his usual energetic self.
The Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder may have done just enough to attract European interest, impressing with his combination of grit and technical quality.