USMNT Stars Shine Bright: Ranking the Four Standout Performers Leading America's World Cup 2026 Charge

As 2025 draws to a close, this represented the final chance for several U.S. men's national team standouts to demonstrate their abilities before officially entering World Cup year.

In Germany, players face a hiatus until late January due to the Bundesliga's traditional winter recess, but England's Premier League tells a different tale as the holiday fixture list remains jam-packed with entertainment for fans.

As the year comes to an end and USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino observes from his holiday retreat, Sports Illustrated evaluates the week's top five displays from his squad members worldwide.

5. Gio Reyna (Borussia Mönchengladbach)

Gio Reyna has established a steady rhythm at Borussia Mönchengladbach, featuring for more than 50 minutes in his fifth consecutive match during his team's 2–0 defeat to former club Borussia Dortmund.

Although Reyna hasn't registered his inaugural goal contribution this Bundesliga campaign, he appears increasingly settled in his midfield role. During this weekend's defeat, he completed 26 passes, attempted one shot, and registered four touches inside the opponent's penalty box, demonstrating his offensive threat.

Reyna required playing time, which motivated his transfer from Dortmund. Having secured those minutes, attention now shifts to delivering results, which remains pending.

4. Montrell Culbreath (Bayer Leverkusen)

Should the USMNT seek fresh, promising talent, they might consider Bayer Leverkusen's Montrell Culbreath, who found the net on his Bundesliga debut during a 3–1 triumph over RB Leipzig.

The 18-year-old substitute entered proceedings in the 77th minute alongside Malik Tillman, quickly making his mark. Beyond his goal, he won possession twice and appeared energetic and eager to contribute.

German-born, he has represented both Die Mannschaft and the United States at youth levels—though remains undecided regarding senior international allegiance. Based on this showing, Pochettino and his staff should consider making their pitch.

3. Auston Trusty (Celtic)

Auston Trusty's Celtic claimed a 3-1 triumph over Aberdeen, ending a four-match losing run and delivering their inaugural victory under manager Wilfried Nancy, who has faced intense scrutiny since arriving from MLS outfit Columbus Crew.

Trusty registered two attempts and completed a match-high 95 passes as Celtic controlled proceedings with 31 shots and 4.35 xG, with virtually every player contributing offensively.

Trusty also recorded nine defensive actions in a victory that maintains the club's championship hopes—the Bhoys, accustomed to Scottish Premiership dominance, trail league leaders Hearts by six points with a match in reserve.

2. Weston McKennie (Juventus)

Weston McKennie has established himself as a crucial figure under Luciano Spalletti at Juventus and delivered another impressive display as the Bianconeri defeated Roma 2–1 to reach fifth in the Serie A standings.

The club celebrated the 27-year-old's 200th appearance before kickoff, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening where he provided an assist for his fourth goal involvement across all competitions.

Despite ongoing challenges at Juventus as they seek to ascend the table, McKennie has established himself as a regular starter this season and aims to maintain this momentum into 2025's final fixture against Pisa.

1. Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven)

Ricardo Pepi's excellent run continued at PSV Eindhoven as the former FC Dallas academy graduate netted for the fourth consecutive match, clinching a 3–1 victory over FC Utrecht.

Adding extra sweetness to his achievement, Pepi's strike came via an assist from fellow USMNT World Cup candidate Sergiño Dest, extending the 34-cap international's impressive individual streak.

Pepi has now tallied 15 goals across his 13 Eredivisie starts for PSV, bringing his overall tally to 24 goals in 58 appearances—statistics highlighting his effectiveness when given starting opportunities.

This marked Pepi's seventh Eredivisie goal of 2025–26, positioning him ninth in the Golden Boot standings, while he's contributed an additional three goals and two assists across all competitions, including consistent Champions League involvement.