One thing that gets soccer fans excited in the United States is big names. Signing famous players has been one tactic of MLS clubs to help grow the sport in the country. David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Lionel Messi have all arrived in the division to boost its profile.
The World Cup is arriving in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico this summer, which gives supporters in North America the chance to see the best players from across the planet firsthand. The USMNT's group consists of Turkey, Australia, and Paraguay, which does not see them face many legendary players.
However, Mauricio Pochettino's side could still meet these legends in the knockout stages. Here are three of the biggest names that the USMNT could come up against in the tournament.
3 legends that the USMNT could still come up against at the World Cup
Kevin De Bruyne
MLS supporters missed out on the chance of seeing Kevin De Bruyne live when he opted to join Napoli after being linked with the Chicago Fire and Inter Miami. If the USMNT progresses from their group, then they could play Belgium in either the round of 32 or the round of 16.
De Bruyne is a soccer legend from his 10-year stint at Manchester City, where he won the Champions League, six Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, and six EFL Cups. De Bruyne is now 34 and has missed much of the season with a hamstring injury. However, he has still managed five goals and one assist in 17 Serie A matches.
The midfielder has still been included in the recent Belgium roster. This included him playing 70 minutes against the USMNT in a 5-2 victory in March. We could see him in action against the Stars and Stripes once more.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah fits into a similar mould as De Bruyne. Both were disregarded by Chelsea but went on to become legends at other Premier League clubs. In Salah's case, it was Liverpool where he won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, one FA Cup, and two EFL Cups.
The USMNT could face Salah's Egypt in either the round of 16 or the round of 32. Salah is leaving Liverpool this summer, and he has been linked with MLS clubs in the past, including the Chicago Fire and San Diego FC. However, the likelihood is that he will join a team in the Saudi Pro League.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Progressing to the quarter-finals is believed to be a realistic target for the USMNT by supporters. If they get there, then they will no doubt face one of the top soccer nations that will have multiple legends in their roster.
It is plausible that Portugal could be a quarter-final opponent for the USMNT. This would mean seeing Pochettino's side face, Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite Pochettino saying that the United States can win the World Cup, not many supporters really believe this. However, a quarter-final finish where they lost to Ronaldo's Portugal could still inspire a generation of soccer fans in America.
He may now be 41, but he has still scored 26 goals in 29 Saudi Pro League games this season. Ronaldo is more of a target man than the flying winger that he once was. This causes a problem for Portugal's manager, Roberto Martinez, as Ronaldo is undroppable due to his status.
Unfortunately, a move to MLS appears unlikely for Ronaldo. This is despite rumors often popping up about moves to Inter Miami, LAFC, or the LA Galaxy. There were even links to Sporting Kansas City after it was revealed that they had his discovery rights. He is contracted to Al-Nassr until 2027, and is not getting any younger.
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