Hype around the American soccer team for the 2026 World Cup can be described as palpable.
The USMNT reached the knockout round in three straight World Cup appearances. Now the side benefits from host nation status, seeking its best finish since the 2002 edition.
It coincides with Mauricio Pochettino managing the country’s “golden generation.” A majority of the projected Starting XI feature in European leagues, including the Premier League.
Here’s a look at the five best current American soccer players ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Ranking the 5 Best Current American Soccer Players
Chris Richards, Central Defense
Richards anchors Pochettino’s back three in defense. He’ll feature in an identical role at the tournament to his role with Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
The 26-year-old has already made 36 appearances for the USMNT. It includes time at the 2025 Gold Cup, which the United States won with a final victory over Mexico.
Voters named Richards the 2025 U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year.
Antonee Robinson, Left Wing Back
Robinson plays for Fulham in the English Premier League. He’s made 52 appearances for the USMNT ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The defender featured in the 2018-19 CONCACAF Nations League, won by the United States. He also featured in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, his first with the United States.
Over 13 World Cup qualifying matches for the 2022 tournament, Robinson contributed two goals and three assists for the USMNT.
Tyler Adams, Defensive Midfielder
Adams anchors one of two holding midfield spots in Pochettino’s Starting XI. He plays the same position for AFC Bournemouth in the English Premier League.
He’ll play a key role for the 2026 team after USMNT midfield companion Johnny Cardoso sustained an ankle injury. Adams has made 52 total appearances for country at age 27.
Like Robinson, Adams appeared in all four of the USMNT’s matches in Qatar.
Weston McKennie, Attacking Midfielder
McKennie began his club career in Germany with Schalke before joining Serie A power Juventus. He also briefly spent time in England on loan with Leeds United.
In 64 appearances with the USMNT, McKennie contributed 12 goals and seven assists. Voters named him the U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year back in 2020.
He’ll aim to improve on his 2022 World Cup campaign, where he failed to make a goal contribution.
Christian Pulisic, Attacking Midfielder
Pulisic partners McKennie as the pair in Pochettino’s 3-4-2-1 formation. The Hershey, PA, native captains the USMNT and has enjoyed a strong career in international competition.
He leads all current USMNT players with 84 appearances. Pulisic contributed 32 goals and 19 assists in those fixtures.
At the 2019 Gold Cup, Pulisic tallied six goals and assists. He followed it with three combined tallies at the 2022 World Cup, where the USMNT exited in the round of 16.
Across his entire club career, Pulisic appeared in three of Europe’s five biggest leagues.
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