World Cup 2026 Dreams on the Line: Five USMNT Stars Set to Shine This Weekend
American soccer supporters couldn't ask for a better holiday present this season than witnessing strong performances from top U.S. men's national team stars as the year concludes.
Although certain USMNT coaching staff and squad members will return home for the festive period, others continue battling through demanding fixture schedules, including Christian Pulisic, who featured on Thursday in AC Milan's Italian Super Cup defeat to Napoli in Saudi Arabia.
Plenty of action remains this weekend, however, despite Pulisic's Milan having time to rest and the American contingent in Germany's top flight facing their final matches before the league's winter hiatus.
Here, Sports Illustrated spotlights five USMNT stars worth monitoring in this weekend's fixtures.
5. Auston Trusty
Fixture: Celtic vs. Aberdeen
Date and Time: Sunday, Dec. 21—10:00 a.m. ET / 7:00 a.m. PT
Channel: Celtic TV
Celtic finds itself in challenging circumstances currently, suffering four consecutive defeats for the first time since the 1970s—all occurring under new boss Wilfried Nancy, who joined the club following a productive tenure with MLS outfit Columbus Crew.
Trusty has maintained consistent playing time under Nancy throughout the campaign, but will need to help improve the club's position in the Scottish Premiership. Simultaneously, a strong showing from Trusty could prove vital in helping Nancy secure his position, with speculation about his potential dismissal less than three weeks into the role generating considerable discussion.
4. Sergiño Dest
Fixture: FC Utrecht vs. PSV Eindhoven
Date and Time: Sunday, Dec. 21—6:15 a.m. ET/ 3:15 a.m. PT
Channel: ESPN Select, fuboTV
PSV Eindhoven are delivering compelling football from a USMNT standpoint currently, with both Sergiño Dest and Ricardo Pepi experiencing periods of excellent form.
Dest, who was sidelined for considerable time earlier this year through injury, has become a consistent starter at right-back in recent months, making 15 starts in the same number of appearances. He approaches Sunday's encounter against FC Utrecht following a clever assist in a 4–3 victory over Heracles.
While watching Dest, you'll also catch Pepi in action, as he has netted six goals in 13 Eredivisie fixtures and nine strikes in 20 matches across all competitions.
3. Chris Richards
Fixture: Leeds United vs. Crystal Palace
Date and Time: Saturday, Dec. 20—3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT
Channel: USA Network, NBC Sports App
Chris Richards has ranked among the finest American performers in 2025, completely cementing his status as an elite center-back with both the USMNT and Crystal Palace. This weekend, he faces fellow American Brendan Aaronson, who may start for Leeds United.
The USMNT defender will aim to guide the Eagles to a shutout victory before the holiday period, with the team level on points with Manchester United for fifth place, maintaining a UEFA Europa League spot. A victory, though, could elevate them into the top four and Champions League qualification positions.
2. Malik Tillman
Fixture: RB Leipzig vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Date and Time: Saturday, Dec. 20—12:30 p.m. E.T / 9:30 a.m. PT
Channel: ESPN Select, fuboTV
Malik Tillman will contest his final match of an influential 2025 calendar year as Bayer Leverkusen face RB Leipzig to wrap up the opening phase of the Bundesliga season.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder endured a difficult beginning with the German club, but both he and the team have discovered their rhythm in the year's closing months. They approach this fixture with three victories in their previous five outings, including last week's triumph over FC Köln in the Rhine Derby.
Tillman, who has scored three goals in 10 appearances, may also receive an enhanced role with the USMNT approaching the March international break, depending on how Pochettino adjusts to Tyler Adams' midfield injury.
1. Weston McKennie
Fixture: Juventus vs. Roma
Date and Time: Saturday, Dec. 20—2:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. PT
Channel: Paramount+, fuboTV, DAZN USA, FOX Deportes, Fox Sports
Weston McKennie has been experiencing some of his finest football and is featuring in crucial minutes for Juventus as they battle to stay competitive for Champions League qualification, awarded to Serie A's top four teams.
McKennie, 27, has predominantly operated in wide positions this season and has found the net twice in Champions League competition, while still seeking his inaugural Serie A goal after 10 appearances.
This weekend brings Juventus against Roma in a meeting of Serie A powerhouses, with the Bianconeri positioned fifth in the standings on 26 points, trailing their weekend rivals by four points.