USMNT Stars Shine Bright: Ranking the Four Standout Performers Leading America's World Cup 2026 Charge
The year 2026 has arrived, bringing with it World Cup anticipation that makes the coming months crucial for American soccer players worldwide.
Although multiple leagues, including the German Bundesliga and Dutch Eredivisie where many Americans compete, remain on winter hiatus, other competitions are already back in action for the new year, with some U.S. men's national team members having already featured in two matches since January began.
European action delivered memorable moments for American talent this past weekend, showcasing crucial strikes, significant milestones, and outstanding defensive displays. Here, Sports Illustrated evaluates the four standout performances from Mauricio Pochettino's squad members around the world.
4. George Campbell (West Bromwich Albion)
West Bromwich Albion's George Campbell is positioning himself as a potential USMNT candidate for 2026, though perhaps not for the upcoming World Cup. The American center-back faces stiff competition in a position where the national team has considerable depth.
Nevertheless, his recent displays have been noteworthy, including a set-piece goal in a midweek 2–1 victory over QPR and a complete 90-minute performance in a 1–0 defeat to Swansea City.
Against Swansea, he adapted to an unfamiliar right-back role while maintaining his effectiveness, contributing more offensively with two attempts on goal and three passes into dangerous areas.
The 24-year-old defender is experiencing a purple patch. Will this run of form be sufficient to catch Mauricio Pochettino's attention before the World Cup?
3. Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
Antonee Robinson maintained his consistent playing time for Fulham over the weekend, completing the full match in an entertaining 2–2 stalemate with Liverpool that featured dramatic late goals from both teams.
The 28-year-old defender demonstrated his attacking instincts once again, a positive indicator for the three or five-man defensive systems the USMNT is expected to deploy. Robinson contributed two passes into the attacking third, generated one scoring opportunity, and made six defensive interventions while frequently dueling with Dominik Szoboszlai on the flank.
This outing marked his sixth consecutive complete performance, following just one substitute appearance since returning to Premier League action on September 28.
2. Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United)
Brenden Aaronson is experiencing a career-high level of performance for Leeds United and increased his seasonal goal count to three with a strike in Sunday's 1–1 stalemate against Manchester United.
This goal represented his third direct contribution in his past six appearances, following an assist on an excellent team move against Sunderland and his initial helper during this productive stretch in a 3–3 thriller with Liverpool on December 6.
On Sunday, he surged forward before darting between Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro to slot his effort past goalkeeper Senne Lemmens.
"I was simply making a run behind to see if fortune would favor me, and sometimes you must seize your moment," Aaronson reflected afterward. "The ball found me. I believe the defender wasn't expecting me to make that run off his shoulder. I managed a clean first touch, then it's simply about hitting the target."
Despite having nine international goals in 56 USMNT appearances and lacking recent consistent selection, Aaronson is approaching World Cup roster consideration and potentially a starting position if his current trajectory continues.
1. Weston McKennie (Juventus)
Weston McKennie continues demonstrating his worth to Juventus and began 2026 in ideal fashion, netting his inaugural Serie A goal of the campaign in Saturday's 1–1 draw with Lecce.
In his 205th club appearance, the 27-year-old adopted a more advanced role than typical, operating in his eighth different position this season under manager Luciano Spalletti's tactical flexibility.
Though the Bianconeri will lament Jonathan David's missed penalty, McKennie's display was encouraging. Beyond his goal, he fashioned three scoring opportunities and registered two shots.
Currently enjoying excellent form with five goal contributions across his previous nine matches in all competitions, McKennie will aim to guide fourth-placed Juventus to victory in their upcoming fixture against 10th-placed Sassuolo on Tuesday.