McKennie's USMNT Weekend Collides with Winter Olympics Drama
The fitness and form of United States men's national team players continues to gain importance as we progress through February, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup drawing closer.
While the season's opening months witnessed multiple players dealing with injuries or limited playing time, American talents overseas have generally shown improvement in recent weeks. With Christian Pulisic's anticipated comeback for AC Milan on the horizon, prospects appear bright.
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino is undoubtedly considering these developments as he prepares his squad selection for the March international break, which will essentially serve as his last chance to evaluate players before the summer's major tournament.
Confident Weston McKennie Ready to Shine Once More
Confident Weston McKennie Ready to Shine Once More
Very few players globally are displaying the level of confidence that Weston McKennie currently possesses, and this week might see him encounter some of the world's finest athletes at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
With impressive form that includes five goals in his previous 10 appearances, he guides Juventus to San Siro—the venue of last week's Winter Olympics opening ceremony—for a crucial encounter with Inter Milan. McKennie delivered an outstanding performance when Juve faced defending champions Napoli, excelling in a commanding 3–0 victory, and the USMNT midfielder-turned-attacker faces pressure to prove that exceptional showing against elite competition wasn't a one-off.
A victory could elevate Juventus to third place in the standings, and success might then enable McKennie to relax and enjoy some Olympic events before departing Milan. His teammate, Canada international Jonathan David, has already connected with officials in Milan to demonstrate his support, and nothing prevents the 27-year-old from supporting U.S. competitors once his duties are complete.
How to Watch McKennie's Winter Olympic Appearance
How to Watch McKennie's Winter Olympic Appearance
Pulisic's Expected Comeback for AC Milan
Pulisic's Expected Comeback for AC Milan
Christian Pulisic might rejoin AC Milan's roster for Friday's match at Pisa, after being absent from the previous two fixtures across all competitions.
The USMNT's most prominent player last featured on Jan. 25 in a 1–1 stalemate against AS Roma, before Milan coach Max Allegri revealed he was dealing with bursitis—swelling of fluid-filled pouches around joints.
Pulisic was outstanding during the early stages of the 2025–26 season but a hamstring problem hindered his individual development and Milan's championship pursuit. They currently trail local rivals Inter by eight points, with a match in reserve, and cannot afford additional setbacks.
Though unlikely to begin against Pisa, any form of Pulisic comeback represents a significant boost for a USMNT squad that will depend on him to spearhead their World Cup campaign.
How to Watch Pulisic's Comeback
How to Watch Pulisic's Comeback
Alex Freeman
Alex Freeman
Following his European and La Liga debut for Villarreal against RCD Espanyol, former Orlando City defender Alex Freeman might earn his first starting opportunity against Getafe.
The 2025 MLS Young Player of the Year contributed 17 minutes as the Yellow Submarine climbed to fourth position with an impressive 4–1 triumph, and they could reach third place with a weekend victory, surpassing Johnny Cardoso's Atlético Madrid in the standings.
Freeman is vying with Santiago Mouriño and Sergi Cardona for consistent minutes, but he demonstrated encouraging signs of his ability to support Canada right winger Tajon Buchanan in creating a threatening pace combination.
Squad rotation might also benefit Freeman's prospects, considering Villarreal return to action next Wednesday against Levante.