Musah Eyes Serie A Surge as USMNT Star Rides Momentum Wave This Weekend
Halfway into January 2026, the football landscape is in full swing for this World Cup year, with European teams deep into their seasons and MLS squads beginning preseason preparations this week.
While prominent U.S. men's national team stars such as Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic are experiencing excellent campaigns and pursuing contract extensions with their respective clubs, other players continue striving to secure their place in this summer's World Cup roster under head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Here's Sports Illustrated's examination of players who will seek to make an impression in this weekend's fixtures.
George Campbell
George Campbell
George Campbell will encounter a recognizable presence at West Brom in the coming period, as the former Atlanta United and CF Montréal defender gets ready for his first appearance under new head coach Eric Ramsay, who joins from Minnesota United.
The center-back has featured regularly for West Brom this campaign under Ryan Mason, accumulating 1,766 minutes over 22 appearances while contributing one goal and two assists. However, the Baggies have faced difficulties and begin this weekend's matches positioned 18th in the Championship.
Facing second-placed Middlesbrough, Campbell must adjust to Ramsay's tactical approach. At Minnesota, this involved extended periods without possession and greater dependence on the defensive line to initiate rapid counter-attacks, a departure from Campbell's usual strengths.
He'll face fellow USMNT World Cup candidate Aidan Morris.
Yunus Musah
Yunus Musah
Following difficulties securing substantial playing time at Atalanta in 2025 after his loan move from AC Milan, Yunus Musah's involvement has increased since the new year began. The 23-year-old American has featured in each of the previous six fixtures, bringing his total to 12 appearances and 379 minutes in Serie A this season.
Despite facing challenges over the past two seasons, he is finally beginning to benefit from his decision to leave one of Italy's premier clubs and has shown adaptability in different roles, before recently settling into his preferred defensive midfield position.
This week presents a significant chance for Musah, as seventh-ranked Atalanta meets 19th-placed Pisa, with one team pursuing European competition spots while the other fights against relegation.
Musah has made only two starts this year. Might he earn another? If so, his performance consistency will decide whether he can make the USMNT's March squad.
Brenden Aaronson
Brenden Aaronson
Brenden Aaronson ranks among Europe's most productive forwards currently, recording two goals and two assists in his recent four Premier League matches with Leeds United. However, since his excellent form coincides with an extended period without international duty, it's challenging to assess his actual standing in Pochettino's plans.
Therefore, maintaining his current level is essential to secure selection for the March camp, which would provide him a platform to demonstrate his World Cup credentials and potentially establish himself as a starter.
This weekend features Aaronson's Leeds United facing Fulham in Premier League competition, matching the impressive American forward against USMNT defender Antonee Robinson, who has regained top form after months recovering from serious injuries.
Damion Downs
Damion Downs
The forward position for the USMNT remains fiercely contested, but 21-year-old Damion Downs is working diligently to earn squad inclusion early in his professional journey. After limited opportunities and poor form at Southampton, he secured a loan transfer to Bundesliga side Hamburger S.V. at year's start, returning to a competition where he previously excelled with FC Köln.
Head coach Merlin Polzin immediately inserted Downs into the starting eleven for his debut, a 2–1 defeat to SC Freiburg, showing the American remarkable faith and confidence seldom given to midseason loan acquisitions.
Though he hasn't scored since April 2025, when he netted for Köln in a 3–1 victory over Preussen Münster, he made his presence felt on debut, winning 11 duels and attempting one shot.
This weekend, Downs aims to end his scoring drought as Hamburger faces American-laden Borussia Mönchengladbach, which includes Gio Reyna and Joe Scally.