These Five MLS Stars Could Propel USMNT to Glory at the 2026 World Cup
A span of 111 days will separate the commencement of the 2026 MLS campaign from the U.S. men's national team's World Cup opener versus Paraguay in Los Angeles, creating a crucial window for numerous players to establish their fitness and secure their positions.
Although European-based stars have improved their performances in recent months, a substantial portion of American squad members will still be competing in MLS when the World Cup arrives, making the season's opening phase a critical chance.
In this piece, Sports Illustrated examines five USMNT players worth monitoring in MLS, particularly during the early stages of this season.
Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew)
Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew)
Columbus Crew defender and midfielder Max Arfsten will adapt to fresh tactical approaches under head coach Henrik Rydström during the early stages of the MLS regular season, aiming to build momentum ahead of the March international fixtures, where he's positioned as a borderline candidate for the final World Cup selection.
He has emerged as one of Pochettino's premier MLS contributors and has gained considerable experience under the Argentine coach since receiving his call-up to the 2025 January training camp. The transition to a three-center-back formation with wing-backs suits his skill set perfectly, and he could establish himself as a crucial national team asset in the coming months.
However, with any managerial transition, there exists uncertainty for Arfsten regarding how things might develop in Columbus under Ryström's leadership.
Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Sebastian Berhalter remained somewhat overshadowed by Matt Freese among emerging talents in 2025 who could feature for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup.
Now maintaining a close friendship with German icon Thomas Müller, Berhalter begins this campaign as the central figure in Vancouver Whitecaps FC's midfield, following his impressive tally of four goals and 11 assists across 29 regular-season appearances in 2025.
His impact, especially his dead-ball expertise with the USMNT, has been notable, contributing one goal and three assists in nine international appearances. Among his standout moments is a beautifully struck set-piece goal against Uruguay in a friendly match and precise free-kick service for Chris Richards's decisive goal in Gold Cup action versus Saudi Arabia.
Given Christian Pulisic's troubling injury record at AC Milan, the USMNT requires someone capable of delivering dangerous set pieces, and Berhalter appears to fit that role. The key question during the opening phase of the 2026 season will be his ability to sustain his poise and control in an increasingly physical brand of football.
Matt Freese (New York City FC)
Matt Freese (New York City FC)
Everything suggests that Matt Freese will serve as the primary goalkeeper for the USMNT at this summer's World Cup, and he aims to cement that position with an impressive opening to the season alongside New York City FC.
Simultaneously, his displays will be evaluated against other American keepers, including New England Revolution's Matt Turner and Columbus Crew's Patrick Schulte, with indications pointing toward the USMNT goalkeeping group emerging from the Eastern Conference.
Freese's capabilities as a traditional shot-stopper distinguish him from others. Nevertheless, he'll want to sustain his reliability from 2025 while further developing his distribution abilities from the back, which represents a crucial element for a three-man defensive setup at international level.
It represents a remarkable journey for a goalkeeper who only earned his USMNT debut at age 26 last June and proceeded to start nearly every match throughout the remainder of 2025, heading into the World Cup year.
Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
With the tactical switch to a three-man defense, Miles Robinson's adaptability becomes increasingly important within the USMNT framework. A two-time MLS All-Star and currently the league's highest-paid defender following his new deal, he aims to secure a starting position for the Stars and Stripes while delivering another excellent campaign with FC Cincinnati.
The Eastern Conference presents significant challenges, and much of Cincinnati's attention centers on their key attacking players Evander and Kévin Denkey. However, Robinson's experience, ability and leadership qualities in defense could prove essential.
He was absent from the 2022 World Cup following an Achilles injury sustained months before the tournament, providing additional incentive to remain fit and available throughout the early MLS season.
Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)
Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders)
All evidence suggests that Cristian Roldan will assume a significant role for the USMNT at the World Cup, based on his outstanding performances across all six autumn friendlies, particularly highlighted by his two assists against Australia last October.
A seasoned Seattle Sounders player, Roldan's adaptability makes him a valuable asset to any squad. He can operate as an elusive attacking midfielder on occasion, while other times he seamlessly integrates into the game's flow from the center of the field. His most effective deployment, though, may be initiating counter-attacks, as he has demonstrated with both the Sounders and USMNT when operating as a defensive midfielder.
His previous World Cup experience from 2022 will also prove beneficial, despite not featuring in any matches during that competition.