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

The closing weekend of 2025 delivered thrilling action throughout European football, with four American players delivering standout performances as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.

Although teams in England and Italy faced busy fixture schedules, it was generally a calmer period as the Bundesliga, La Liga, and Eredivisie entered their traditional winter breaks before the new year.

For those who took the field, it proved to be an unforgettable week of holiday football that certainly caught the attention of U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino. Sports Illustrated highlights the four best displays from his squad members around the world.

4. Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

Antonee Robinson's comeback with Fulham has continued to impress as he completed his third and fourth full appearances of the campaign this week, contributing to the Cottagers' 1–0 triumphs over Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.

Though he appeared cautious during his comeback match in early December, the left-back has now regained his peak performance level after recovering from a persistent knee problem. Robinson's defensive excellence was evident against the Tricky Trees, making four tackles, four clearances, and six recoveries to help secure a clean sheet for his team.

The 28-year-old then produced a match-leading four scoring opportunities against the Hammers while completing all but three of his passes during his full 90-minute performance in London.

3. Patrick Agyemang (Derby County)

Patrick Agyemang began and concluded 2025 in excellent fashion. The forward netted goals in the USMNT's friendly victories to start the year and twelve months on, finished with four strikes in six appearances for Derby County, including his team's lone goal in Sunday's 1–1 stalemate with Birmingham City.

After moving from MLS club Charlotte FC to the EFL Championship this campaign, the tall striker needed time to adapt to his new environment, but has now found his rhythm. Agyemang's strike against the Blues followed a perfectly timed counter-attacking run to find space through the middle of the final third, before defeating James Beadle with a powerful header.

Currently with six goals and three assists across 19 appearances in all competitions, the 25-year-old is creating competition for a crowded American forward role, alongside Monaco's Folarin Balogun and PSV Eindhoven's Ricardo Pepi, who have also enjoyed impressive seasons.

2. Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United)

While his USMNT contributions may not have shined in 2025, Brenden Aaronson has been delivering reliable and impressive displays with Leeds United in the Premier League, demonstrated in Sunday's 1–1 tie with Sunderland.

The 25-year-old was instrumental in an excellent Leeds showing and played a crucial part in a brilliant team move—involving 12 passes—before Aaronson delivered the decisive pass for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to convert in the 47th minute.

This marked Aaronson's third assist across his previous seven Leeds fixtures, matching his total from his initial 46 appearances for the club. This campaign, he has recorded one goal and three assists in 17 Premier League matches.

1. Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)

The beginning of the 2025–26 campaign has been remarkable for Christian Pulisic, and he concluded the calendar year in style on Sunday, netting his 10th goal across all competitions in Milan's 3–0 victory over Hellas Verona.

This strike elevated Pulisic to eight league goals for the season. Momentarily, it leveled him with Inter's Lautaro Martínez for the Serie A Golden Boot, before the Argentine scored in a 1–0 triumph over Atalanta to reclaim his advantage.

For Pulisic, however, his scoring frequency has been the most impressive aspect. Operating as a false nine and attacking midfielder, while also featuring on the flank, he is netting a goal every 74 minutes, the finest rate among players with at least 150 Serie A minutes.

With 50 goal involvements across his first 81 Milan appearances and a brilliant start to the season, Pulisic aims to maintain his form into 2026 as the USMNT's most vital player approaching the World Cup.