USMNT's Top Four Weekly Stars—Striker Delivers Jaw-Dropping Performance Despite Broken Arm
The workload has significantly intensified for United States men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who now must incorporate MLS match scouting into his responsibilities while continuing to monitor American players competing across Europe.
Although USMNT prospects have enjoyed an impressive 2025–26 campaign overseas, other potential candidates for the 2026 World Cup squad began their seasons this weekend with Major League Soccer's 31st season kickoff.
This creates a demanding weekly schedule for Pochettino and his coaching staff as they evaluate talent ahead of March international friendlies versus Belgium and Portugal, while working toward finalizing the World Cup squad, expected to be revealed in early June.
Below, Sports Illustrated examines four standout U.S. players from around the globe during the previous week.
Ricardo Pepi
Ricardo Pepi
American soccer supporters were delighted this week as Ricardo Pepi made his comeback and found the net sooner than anticipated with PSV Eindhoven. Merely 42 days following a forearm break sustained while scoring versus Excelsior, the 23-year-old striker returned to Eredivisie competition appearing fully fit.
With PSV already ahead 2–1 against SC Heerenveen, Pepi came on as a substitute in the 75th minute and immediately made his presence felt. He cleverly positioned himself as a deeper attacking threat before unleashing a powerful right-footed effort from well beyond the penalty area to seal the victory in the 87th minute.
Currently tallying 12 goals and two assists across 23 appearances in all competitions this campaign, his excellent form might prompt Pochettino to view him as more than merely a backup option for the World Cup.
Folarin Balogun
Folarin Balogun
Certain forwards in world football maintain steady scoring rates without dramatic fluctuations in performance. Expected USMNT starter for the 2026 World Cup, Folarin Balogun differs from this pattern—his productivity arrives in bursts, with hopes he'll hit peak form during the summer tournament.
This campaign has shown encouraging signs of greater reliability, with the 24-year-old's scoring streaks becoming more frequent. This particular week was exceptional, as he scored twice against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League knockout stage playoffs, then added another goal in Monaco's 3–2 Ligue 1 victory over Lens four days afterward.
His Champions League strike became the quickest goal ever scored by a USMNT player in the tournament's history, though Monaco ultimately fell 3–2 to their domestic rivals.
The weekend's strike against Lens featured a clinical finish from the penalty area's edge, igniting a dramatic comeback in the final half-hour to overcome a two-goal disadvantage.
Following this week's performances, Balogun has reached 11 goals and four assists in 21 matches across all competitions in 2025–26, as he aims to cement his position as the USMNT's primary attacking threat for March's international fixtures.
Max Arfsten
Max Arfsten
With MLS action resuming, Pochettino will require expanded scouting coverage leading up to the World Cup. Given Max Arfsten's frequent inclusion in recent national team camps, expect the USMNT coaching staff to closely monitor Columbus Crew matches early this season. This weekend's performance provided encouraging viewing.
Making his first competitive appearance since the USMNT's November friendly victory against Uruguay, Arfsten played a crucial role in Columbus's attacking build-up, consistently troubling Portland Timbers' defense throughout the match while generating two scoring opportunities.
Despite the Crew's 3–2 defeat, Arfsten delivered an encouraging display, making intelligent inside runs to support striker Wessam Abou Ali and tracking back defensively when left-back Hristiyan Petrov advanced forward.
Arfsten possesses the quality to contribute meaningfully to the USMNT both immediately and long-term. However, he'll be fascinating to observe over the coming months as he navigates Pochettino's vision of him as an attacking wingback and his developing role under Columbus's new head coach, Henrik Ryström.
Sebastian Berhalter
Sebastian Berhalter
The emerging talent of 2025 for the USMNT, Sebastian Berhalter, delivered an impressive display to open the 2026 campaign with Vancouver Whitecaps, contributing to the Canadian club's 1–0 triumph over Real Salt Lake.
While a powerful right-footed attempt from range in the opening half sailed just inches past the target, his influence in controlling the midfield and facilitating Vancouver's wide players was clear, excelling in a defensive double-pivot partnership alongside Paraguay international Andrés Cubas.
Frequently, occupying a vital central position can negatively impact certain statistics, such as pass completion rates, due to the progressive play flowing through the middle. This didn't affect Berhalter, who impressed throughout, completing 56 of 59 pass attempts while creating four chances and recording seven defensive recoveries.
Berhalter will need an outstanding start to the MLS season to earn a World Cup roster spot, but given his adaptability, set-piece expertise and long-range shooting ability, he could become a valuable asset in Pochettino's tactical setup.