MLS Dark Horse Emerges as World Cup Contender Among USMNT's Top Weekly Performers

Only seven days remain before America's finest soccer talents exchange their club jerseys for the stars and stripes in March's international exhibitions versus Belgium and Portugal, preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

As the tournament approaches and this month's fixtures provide crucial preparation against elite global competition, player expectations continue to mount. Given the depth of talent across nearly all positions, athletes must peak at precisely the right moment to secure meaningful roles in Mauricio Pochettino's lineup. 

Fortunately for the USMNT, several players are currently displaying exceptional form across Europe and North America. 

Here, Sports Illustrated examines the three standout weekend performances by American players, focusing on those expected to receive USMNT call-ups this month. 

Joe Scally

Joe Scally

With the USMNT requiring coverage for Sergiño Dest at right-back or right wing-back during March's international period, significant opportunities exist for either Villarreal's Alex Freeman or Borussia Mönchengladbach's Joe Scally. 

These players bring contrasting qualities, but following this weekend's action, Scally might emerge as the frontrunner for the role. While Freeman's strength lies in his aggression and pace as an attack-minded fullback, Scally has demonstrated growth as an adaptable right-sided defender this season—showcasing his offensive evolution this weekend. 

Facing St. Pauli in a relegation battle Bundesliga encounter, Scally operated as a right wing-back in Mönchengladbach's 3-5-2 formation, displaying more attacking intent than typical. 

Following Kevin Stöger's curling free-kick that gave his team a 1–0 advantage, the American engineered the second goal with perfectly timed movement. As demonstrated below, he exploited the inside channel while the defender focused on the ball, ignoring his run. This allowed Scally, not renowned for pace, to slip behind and neutralize his marker, before calmly setting up Franck Honorat for a first-time finish. 

Counter-attacking sequences like this perfectly illustrate how a smart wing-back can enhance—or even orchestrate—offensive plays. However, his ability to replicate this role for the USMNT remains questionable, given the extensive practice required for teammates to synchronize and recognize such movements. 

For instance, if this goal-creating play occurred in a USMNT match, a winger might easily take an additional touch to work centrally, rather than spotting the quick combination with Scally. 

Nevertheless, Scally's abilities throughout the season demonstrate his potential as an exceptional wing-back in the proper system—the question remains whether his success stems from individual brilliance or system dependency. 

Malik Tilllman

Malik Tilllman

Malik Tillman's adaptability makes him invaluable to both Bayer Leverkusen and the USMNT, as demonstrated in this weekend's 1–1 stalemate with Bayern Munich. 

Throughout recent weeks, he has operated as an attacking midfield pivot in a 3-4-2-1 system, with his partner alternating between Martin Terrier and Ibrahim Maza, who each featured for one half this weekend, while the American completed the full match. 

Despite Tillman squandering a one-on-one opportunity and striker Patrik Schick failing to capitalize on several chances, his overall contribution was impressive. Beyond floating through attacking zones, he consistently retreated to congest midfield areas and limit opportunities for Bayern's Lennart Karl and Nicolas Jackson, the latter receiving a red card.

However, Tillman's most crucial highlight may have been the impressive progressive distance of his dribbles. While players typically need just two or three touches for an official dribble, many fail to break defensive lines or create significant advancement—Tillman, conversely, produced two potentially match-changing dribbles, as illustrated in the map below. 

Expected to rejoin the USMNT this week, his optimal position might be in wide areas. It's where he's most influential, and in Pochettino's 3-5-2, potentially the widest central midfield role could maximize his impact on both phases of play.

Sebastian Berhalter

Sebastian Berhalter

What more can be said about Sebastian Berhalter's current form? After four weeks, he leads MLS in assists with four while contributing two goals. This weekend, he scored once and provided two assists while continuing his set-piece excellence in Vancouver Whitecaps' 6–0 victory over Minnesota United. 

A probable selection for March's international window, Berhalter is also positioned to make Pochettino's World Cup squad if he sustains this MLS performance level. Simultaneously, a summer transfer could materialize, as his Vancouver deal expires seasonally and European interest is likely. 

With the Whitecaps, the American has flourished in a double-pivot alongside Paraguayan international and designated player Andrés Cubas in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Against the Loons, Berhalter recorded four tackles and four recoveries—yet his relentless pursuit of those challenges stands out most, along with his ability to rapidly advance possession afterward. 

Consider this second Whitecaps goal, where he earned an MLS secondary assist. 

After Vancouver regained control, he retreated into available space by positioning himself between two defenders. This intelligent movement created a short passing option for Édier Ocampo, as shown in both sides of the image below. 

Upon receiving possession, Berhalter, already aware of Emmanuel Sabbi's right-wing run, delivered a perfectly weighted chip over the space he created for Sabbi to find Brian White, resulting in the team's second goal.

While this sequence stands out, he regularly displays similar qualities on virtually every touch. Furthermore, Berhalter's ability to pressure opponents alongside Cubas creates an exceptionally effective defensive partnership in MLS. 

Combined with exceptional set-piece delivery, as evidenced in the goal below, Berhalter provides a match-altering element to any contest. 

Dangerous service from Berhalter.
Final touch from Laborda.@WhitecapsFC ALL OVER Minnesota at home. 😮 pic.twitter.com/rmifKP4bUB

With the USMNT roster for March's international window expected this week, Berhalter has maximized his opportunities to secure selection—potentially as a starter.