McKennie's Juventus Drama Reaches Breaking Point as World Cup Dreams Hang in the Balance
United States men's national team standout Weston McKennie is allegedly close to finalizing a fresh agreement with Juventus as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.
Uncertainty has surrounded the midfielder's prospects in Turin as his existing deal—scheduled to conclude at season's end—nears expiration. It remained doubtful whether McKennie had a future with the Serie A powerhouse during Igor Tudor's tenure as manager.
However, his revival under new head coach Luciano Spalletti has apparently fast-tracked negotiations for a renewed agreement. ESPN indicates McKennie is poised to ink a contract extension with Juventus that will secure his stay with the Bianconeri until 2030.
Clubs from Italy, Spain, the United States and England were "tracking" the 27-year-old, but they failed to convince McKennie to leave his base in Turin.
McKennie's Revival at Juventus Brings Positive News for USMNT
McKennie's Revival at Juventus Brings Positive News for USMNT
Two years back, McKennie faced harsh criticism for his displays during the 2024 Copa América. The American appeared physically unprepared, unusually careless with possession and generally behind the tempo of matches.
Discussions even emerged about McKennie possibly forfeiting his starting position as the USMNT hit rock bottom following their group stage elimination on American territory. Moving ahead to 2026, the midfielder is experiencing peak form and approaching a lengthy contract with one of football's most prestigious institutions.
Since the calendar year began, McKennie has accumulated eight goal contributions, twice his tally from the season's opening four months. He continues demonstrating his adaptability, operating in central midfield, at fullback, on the flank and even as a striker under Spalletti's guidance.
McKennie's remarkable European run is precisely what USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino hopes to witness from one of his crucial players. The midfielder drives the team's rhythm and stands as the finest player in American colors at moving the ball from defensive to attacking phases. Coupled with his recent scoring contributions, the Juventus player ranks among the most complete talents for the Stars and Stripes ... now he must demonstrate it.
Ultimate Challenge for McKennie Arrives at the 2026 World Cup
Ultimate Challenge for McKennie Arrives at the 2026 World Cup
Achieving excellence at club level is commendable, but McKennie will face evaluation based on his World Cup showing this summer. Should he struggle again on the major platform for the USMNT, he will encounter severe criticism, and a fresh Juventus deal won't shield him from examination.
McKennie remains among the few veteran players who hasn't fully adapted to Pochettino's new framework. Throughout 2025, the 27-year-old featured just four times under the new manager—with two appearances occurring nearly a year earlier during the Concacaf Nations League.
McKennie was absent from the Gold Cup, plus the September and November international periods. While the Stars and Stripes discovered their rhythm to finish the year with victories against Paraguay and Uruguay, the midfielder remained in Italy.
The forthcoming March international window will mark McKennie's first opportunity to integrate with Pochettino's preferred XI during World Cup preparation matches versus Belgium and Portugal. The American will face pressure to reestablish himself as a vital component in the Argentine's strategy, or his impressive new contract will serve merely as comfort as the World Cup approaches.