Laken Litman
College Football & Soccer Analyst
While the U.S. men’s national team fell just short of claiming a trophy this summer, the squad must now shift its focus to the 2026 World Cup. For manager Mauricio Pochettino, that means honing in on 26 players who can help the team compete.
On Sunday night in front of a sold-out crowd at NRG Stadium in Houston, Mexico defeated the U.S. 2-1 to clinch back-to-back Concacaf Gold Cup titles. That signaled the last time the USMNT will play a competitive match before co-hosting the sport’s biggest event in less than a year.
The team won’t convene again until September when it hosts Korea Republic and Japan in a pair of friendlies (Sept. 6 in Harrison, N.J. and Sept. 9 in Columbus, Ohio, respectively). Whoever is called in for that camp will seemingly have an inside track to a World Cup roster spot.
But who will those players be? While Christian Pulisic, Antonee “Jedi” Robinson, Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah and Sergino Dest likely would have been starters at the Gold Cup had they been part of the roster – they were not for a multitude of reasons – how will their spots be impacted by players who impressed Pochettino and his staff this summer?
There’s no doubt that after this summer’s tournament, Pochettino’s mindset is shifting. But who stood out? Who bought more time to prove themselves? And who has more work to do to stay in the mix for 2026? We take a look below:
Note: This list does not include players who were at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar (Tyler Adams, Tim Ream, Luca De La Torre, Brenden Aaronson, Matt Turner), nor does it include Chris Richards, who was one of the best players at the Gold Cup.
Who Stood Out The Most?
(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Diego Luna: The most talked-about USMNT player of the Gold Cup. Luna started every match except for the third group stage game vs. Haiti due to sitting on a yellow card. Luna provided a spark and energy on the pitch and scored the two goals in the semifinal win over Guatemala in the first 15 minutes. While he didn’t have enough of an impact in the final against Mexico – the side his family rooted for while he was growing up – he is an example of a guy who has taken control of an opportunity. And it should serve him well and lead to a spot on the World Cup roster.
[RELATED: Coffee Cups To the World Cup? Diego Luna’s Path to Stardom]
Malik Tillman: While Luna was the player with the most buzz, Tillman was the most talented. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder started every game and scored three goals and added two assists. While his rise within the national team has been slow, he became the team’s breakout player of the tournament. Tillman showed his finesse, toughness and quality, which impressed Pochettino who described him as “one of the most talented players I think that we have in the USA.”
Matt Freese: There’s no question Freese’s stock rose during the Gold Cup. Pochettino elected to start the 26-year-old, 6’6″, New York City FC goalkeeper over Matt Turner in every single match. Freese posted clean sheets in the first two matches and was the hero in the penalty shootout victory over Costa Rica in the quarterfinal, where he guessed right five straight times and saved three spot kicks. Freese entered camp without a single cap to his name, and now he has seven. He made some mistakes (the goal he allowed vs. Haiti), but responded well to adversity and his performance has created a battle between him and Turner that could last for the next several months.
Who Bought Some Time?
(Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
Sebastian Berhalter: The son of former U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter certainly earned himself another call up. If for no other reason than the quality of his service on set pieces. Sebastian Berhalter had two assists in the Gold Cup – both off free kicks that found Chris Richards’ head. He’s been working on them for a while now with the Vancouver Whitecaps, and he’s brought that skill to the national team. But that part of his game isn’t the only reason why he’s likely endeared himself to this coaching staff. He’s a player who showed fight in every match, standing up for his teammates and playing with aggression – characteristics that Pochettino certainly appreciates.
Alex Freeman: The youngest player from this Gold Cup squad. The 20-year-old Freeman started every game at right back. And while that was due in part to the fact that Dest was not ready to play, Freeman took hold of the opportunity despite a few nervy moments. He’s uniquely suited to be a star for the USMNT one day because of his sheer athletic ability and speed. His dad, Antonio Freeman, is a Super Bowl champion and he taught him how to be a professional at a young age. Alex Freeman was solid on the back line all tournament and nearly scored a critical goal in the final, but his header was blocked by goalkeeper Angel Malgon’s face right before halftime.
[RELATED: Who is Alex Freeman? The U.S. youngster on fútbol over football]
Max Arfsten: The 24-year-old defender started every game except for one at left back, taking the place of Antonee “Jedi” Robinson while the Fulham star was recovering from offseason knee surgery. While Jedi will get his spot back when healthy, Arfsten offers a strong option as a backup in a position that needs more depth. Arfsten was up and down this tournament – like in the quarterfinal vs. Costa Rica when he gave up a penalty but later had an assist and a goal. He has speed, a powerful shot and can play more of an attacking role – similarly to Jedi. He had a few scoring opportunities that he didn’t finish, but knows how to put himself in position to be dangerous.
Who Has Work To Do?
(Photo by Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
Patrick Agyemang: The 6’4″ 24-year-old striker has scored five goals in just 12 U.S. appearances, with two coming during the Gold Cup. On paper, Agyemang’s size, speed and physicality make him seem like he has what it takes to be the starting striker. But too many times he fails to finish chances in front of goal, which calls into question his readiness to be the guy. Agyemang, who has drawn interest from European clubs, has better positioned himself to be considered for the World Cup roster. But Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi, who weren’t with the squad this summer due to injuries, are still the front-runners.
Jack McGlynn: Often one of the first substitutes off the bench. Like Berhalter, McGlynn has a knack for a perfectly placed set piece. He exudes confidence when on the pitch and made a statement with the goal he scored against Turkiye in a pre-Gold Cup friendly. The 22-year-old midfielder, who just signed an extension with the Houston Dynamo, is one of the top young players in MLS right now. But will that be enough to land him on Pochettino’s World Cup roster?
John Tolkin: Like McGlynn, Tolkin was usually one of the first subs to enter a match during the Gold Cup. The left-back played in four games and tallied one assist – on Agyemang’s goal vs. Haiti – and was called on to take a penalty during the quarterfinal shootout vs. Costa Rica. Had Tolkin converted from the spot, the USMNT would have won the game right there, but the 22-year-old defender missed as goalkeeper Keylor Navas made a critical save. Pochettino showed trust in him, but Tolkin is likely lower in the pecking order among defenders right now.
Laken Litman covers college football, college basketball and soccer for FOX Sports. She previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, USA Today and The Indianapolis Star. She is the author of “Strong Like a Woman,” published in spring 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Follow her at @LakenLitman.
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