ไทย
English
中國人
The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, and the U.S. men's national team couldn't be in a better headspace as it prepares to take center stage on soccer's biggest platform.
The Stars and Stripes took a bold risk last week, squaring off against two elite sides in No. 15-ranked Senegal and No. 10-ranked Germany in their final two tune-up matches before the tournament. The USMNT understood the stakes — a pair of poor results could have shattered their momentum entirely, while strong performances could establish them as a genuine contender with real belief.
With a 3–2 victory over Senegal and a respectable 2–1 defeat to Germany, the U.S. came out ahead. The squad clicked into gear, coming together in just a week to forge the identity of an aggressive, hungry side capable of making some noise. It was an impressive showing across the board, though certain players distinguished themselves above the rest — those primed to make the biggest impact this summer on home turf.
SI answers is our AI answer engine trained on human-created content.
Here's our stock up, stock down breakdown for the USMNT this week, the last before they kick off World Cup action on Friday against Paraguay.
USMNT Stock Up
Antonee Robinson
Antonee Robinson could not have hit this any better 🤯
(Via @USMNT) pic.twitter.com/bVAlfSdU2E
Star left wingback Antonee Robinson produced a jaw-dropping goal against Germany on Saturday — a strike so spectacular it will stay with him for the rest of his career.
In the 36th minute, Christian Pulisic delivered a corner kick into the center of the box. The ball was headed clear by a German defender and looped toward the top of the area. Robinson, positioned just outside the box, read the flight perfectly and struck it first time on the volley with his left foot, sending it into the top corner past the diving hands of goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. The shot carried such ferocity that even a perfectly timed leap from Baumann would have made no difference. Teammate Folarin Balogun could only grab his head in sheer disbelief.
Robinson's theatrics didn't stop there. He tore down the pitch before launching into a round-off back handspring followed by a full backflip — his trademark celebration. The 28-year-old then turned to the crowd, urging the fans to rise to their feet.
The Fulham star has long been a cornerstone of the USMNT and was named the 2024 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, but a knee injury kept him out for much of 2025, including the Concacaf Gold Cup. He has returned looking rejuvenated, dominating the left flank with electric runs, tireless energy and a nose for goal. Those qualities, paired with his acrobatic goal celebrations, are sure to make him a crowd favorite this summer in front of home fans.
Chris Richards
The standout center back rejoined USMNT training on Monday without any restrictions, an encouraging development as he continues his recovery from the ankle injury he sustained late last month with club side Crystal Palace.
He had expressed confidence in being fully fit by Friday's opener when speaking to Sports Illustrated last week, and he has since reaffirmed that belief.
"I'm ready to go," Richards told reporters on Wednesday. "It's the World Cup. I was going to make myself ready regardless. ... If there's any time to sacrifice yourself, it's now. I know I'm able to play Friday, but I don't make those decisions."
The primary concern for manager Mauricio Pochettino will be managing the defensive anchor's return to competitive action carefully. Despite being the team's first-choice defender, Richards has been absent for much of the past three weeks. Pochettino will likely turn to center back Mark McKenzie in Richards's usual starting role, as the Argentine coach has done in recent friendlies; however, a second-half appearance from Richards is not out of the question if the U.S. finds itself in a comfortable position.
Still, Richards is eager to be thrown straight back into the action. "If I'm able to start on Friday, it's not going to put the rest of my tournament in jeopardy," he added.
Tim Ream
Until last week, there was genuine uncertainty about what kind of role 38-year-old Tim Ream would play for the USMNT this summer.
With 82 caps to his name, he brings a wealth of veteran experience to the squad, having made his senior debut back in 2010. Among the World Cup roster, only superstar Pulisic has more international appearances, with 86. Ream also played a pivotal role at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, starting all four matches at left center back.
However, when Pochettino handed Ream the captaincy for the tournament, he made clear that the armband would not automatically guarantee him a starting spot or even a place on the pitch. Pochettino's candor may have unsettled Ream, who, despite starting the friendly against Senegal, put in a notably poor performance. The center back looked every bit his age, his limited mobility allowing him to be repeatedly beaten to the ball by Senegalese forward Sadio Mané, who netted twice. Ream also appeared uneasy in possession, losing the ball on multiple occasions under pressure.
Against Germany on Saturday, however, Ream was a completely different player — composed and assured across the backline. He dropped into a deeper position that clearly suits him better, avoiding unnecessary risks and staying within his current capabilities. He resisted the urge to force play forward as he had against Senegal, instead leading with patience, managing his energy wisely and producing several standout defensive interventions. If Ream continues in that vein this summer, his contribution could prove significant.
USMNT Stock Down
Alex Zendejas
28-year-old Alex Zendejas was already considered a surprising pick in Pochettino's final World Cup squad, having last appeared for the Stars and Stripes back in September.
It now appears virtually certain that the Club América winger will play a marginal role this summer, after being one of only two fit outfield players to not see a single minute against Germany — a friendly widely regarded as Pochettino's preview of his expected starting eleven.
Against Senegal, Zendejas managed just 14 minutes on the pitch, the fewest of any American who featured in the match. He struggled to make an impact in the attacking third, contributing mainly on the defensive side with two tackles and three ball recoveries.