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A tournament that the entire country has rallied behind, the USA 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign will go down as nothing short of memorable.
In their trek to a Group D win, the USA got off to a hot start with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay. Aside from their 3-2 loss to Türkiye, the USA’s six points set the stage for their Round of 16 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina, which they won in a thrilling 2-0 victory.
However, their pursuit of USA World Cup history ended after a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16. Looking past the loss, their young and talented roster is already something to look forward to in the next World Cup.
What’s next for the USA star players after their World Cup run?
Folarin Balogun became an American hero with his goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina to lead them to a round of 16 finish. Despite his red card ruling, which should have left him on the sidelines with a one-match ban, FIFA ruled him eligible to play after review. Balogun is currently under contract with AS Monaco but could be on his way to another club this summer.
Striker Christian Pulisic entered the tournament with high expectations of delivering on his goal-scoring heroics, but was held back by a lingering calf injury. Pulisic finished his tournament campaign with just one assist and zero goals. Pulisic currently plays for AC Milan in Italy.
His free-kick goal against Bosnia put the USA on fire and became one of the USA’s most memorable goals of the tournament. The best part? He did it again against Belgium. Tillman currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.
Making his World Cup debut for the United States, Mckennie started all five matches for the United States and was one of their most prolific and reliable midfielders. Mckennie has been playing for Juventus since 2020, with a short career with Leeds United on loan in 2023 for 6 months, returning to Juventus in July 2023.
Returning for his second World Cup with the Stars and Stripes, Tyler Adams was a force in midfield at this tournament. Adams currently plays for AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League, but clubs such as Chelsea and Manchester United are monitoring Adams ahead of the summer transfer window.
Along with Sergiño Dest on the right, Robinson’s talent complimented the work he did on the left as a winger. Robinson plays for Fulham in England.
Despite being questionable heading into the USA’s group stage with an ankle injury, Richards became a cog in the defense alongside defender Tim Ream this World Cup. Richards currently plays for Crystal Palace in England.
Sergiño Dest was routinely seen dominating the right side as a winger, creating countless opportunities at the attacking end. Dest currently plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
A veteran of the US men’s national team, Ream represented the United States as captain for his second consecutive tournament. Ream currently plays in the MLS with Charlotte FC.
The youngest player in the USA’s starting line-up at 21, defender Alex Freeman quickly became an important piece for the Stars and Stripes’ backline. Freeman recently signed with Villarreal in January after four years with Orlando City in the MLS.
Matt Freese took over the starting position over incumbent Matt Turner in this tournament and recorded eight saves, allowed five goals and had three clean sheets. Freese is currently with New York City FC.
Gio Reyna’s World Cup debut saw a flawless off-foot goal for a 4-1 win over Paraguay in the USA’s opening group stage match. Reyna currently plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Pepi stepped in for Pulisic in the starting line-up when his calf injury persisted during the group stage against Australia, and his 75 minutes helped the USA to a 2-0 victory. Pepi currently plays for PSV Eindhoven but has been linked with a move to Premier League side Fulham.
