USMNT Rising Star Cardoso Eyes Next Level Breakthrough at Atletico Madrid
The opening month of the new year has reached its second-to-last week, and 2026 has proven pivotal for several U.S. men's national team players, with numerous individuals securing more prominent positions at their clubs during the midseason period.
Several top American talents competing in Europe will feature in two matches this week following impressive performances in midweek Championship fixtures, along with Champions League and Europa League encounters, before taking the spotlight this weekend. This demanding schedule motivates coaches to rotate their squads, creating additional chances for peripheral players seeking their breakthrough moment.
One of the most promising challenges for USMNT stars would have involved 18-year-old Augsburg center-back Noahkai Banks facing the soaring Bayern Munich, but regrettably for Stars and Stripes manager Mauricio Pochettino, the promising defender will miss the encounter due to suspension.
Here's Sports Illustrated's examination of who will aim to make an impression in this weekend's fixtures.
Patrick Agyemang
Patrick Agyemang
Ex-Charlotte FC forward Patrick Agyemang is displaying some of his finest form this January and has netted five times in his previous 12 appearances for Derby County, approaching Friday afternoon's encounter against a faltering West Bromwich Albion, managed by former Minnesota United boss Eric Ramsay.
For Ramsay, the beginning has been challenging. He has guided West Brom to a 3–2 defeat against Middlesbrough, featuring former Columbus Crew midfielder Aidan Morris, and subsequently endured a midweek 5–0 thrashing by Norwich City, who were spearheaded by a goal and assist from another ex-MLS talent, former Vancouver Whitecaps winger Ali Ahmed.
Given West Brom's struggles and the fortune of former MLS stars against them, Friday appears promising for Agyemang, who remains determined to secure a World Cup squad position. Derby also seeks to climb from their 12th position in the Championship standings.
Yunus Musah
Yunus Musah
If there's one Serie A fixture that Pochettino will monitor closely this week, it will be Yunus Musah's Atalanta facing Benjamin Cremaschi's Parma. While neither has been a consistent starter in 2025–26, Musah has found his rhythm at his new club and is positioned to earn substantial playing time this weekend after being absent from midweek Champions League duties.
The 23-year-old midfielder, currently on loan from AC Milan, featured for 56 minutes in last week's 1–1 stalemate with Pisa and delivered one of the match's standout performances.
Musah's World Cup prospects currently appear bleak, but increased regular appearances and sustained quality displays could earn him a recall for the March training camp, which will likely feature an expanded squad.
Beyond the focus on Musah's potential showing, this represents a crucial fixture for Atalanta, as they strive to stay competitive with Como for the remaining European qualification spots in Serie A. Meanwhile, Cremaschi will seek limited opportunities with 13th-placed Parma following his U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year recognition.
Johnny Cardoso
Johnny Cardoso
Previously, it would have been difficult to envision a player at a top-tier club like Atlético Madrid not being guaranteed a place in USMNT's World Cup squad. However, Johnny Cardoso's variable role with the Spanish powerhouse and the strength of the American midfield pool means his selection isn't certain for next summer.
Fortunately for the 24-year-old who transferred from Real Betis before the 2025–26 campaign, increased regular participation is materializing. In six of his last seven appearances, he has featured for at least 30 minutes. During midweek Champions League action, he excelled as a substitute against Galatasaray, completing all 17 of his passes in a somewhat frustrating 1–1 tie.
With manager Diego Simeone's squad occupying fourth position and facing 15th-placed Mallorca in La Liga competition, anticipate considerable minutes for Cardoso as he strives to reestablish himself in the USMNT selection discussion.
Weston McKennie
Weston McKennie
Competition exists throughout the USMNT landscape, and while many are competing for positions on the 26-man World Cup roster, the questions regarding Pochettino's optimal starting formation are equally urgent.
While Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie can be viewed as a "certainty" for the squad, his ideal position and function under Pochettino has remained uncertain over the past year, particularly given the unstable coaching situation with the Bianconeri and his availability for international duties.
Current form, however, indicates he should be included in the USMNT's starting eleven, at minimum for March. Operating in a flexible capacity under Luciano Spalletti with the Serie A giants, McKennie has recorded five goals and two assists this season and hasn't experienced three consecutive matches without a goal contribution in over two months.
Following his goal in his third consecutive Champions League fixture midweek, he'll play a key role in a highly anticipated Sunday showdown between fifth-placed Juventus and third-positioned Napoli, with both teams competing for Champions League qualification at the table's summit.