3 USMNT players who enter the 2026 World Cup on thin ice
It is not clear what success would be like for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup. It could be getting out of their group, or having a run at least to the quarter-finals. Most importantly, it would be about inspiring a generation of soccer players just as the USMNT did at the 1994 World Cup, which they also hosted.
To do this, players such as Christian Pulisic and co need to perform as well as the likes of Alexi Lalas did 22 years ago. The USMNT has underperformed in recent tournaments, and Pulisic, among others, enters the World Cup on thin ice.
3 USMNT players who enter the 2026 World Cup on thin ice
3. Ricardo Pepi
Ricardo Pepi was a notable absentee from Gregg Berhalter’s roster for the 2022 World Cup. Pepi has put this disappointment behind him as he has become a notable goalscorer for PSV Eindhoven.
His form in the Eredivisie has led to him being close to joining Fulham before the deal collapsed. Despite starring in the club game, Pepi is often criticized by supporters for not producing in a USMNT shirt.
He has still managed 13 goals with four assists in 35 games for the Stars and Stripes. However, he has been used sparingly by Mauricio Pochettino in recent international breaks. With other strikers such as Folarin Balogun, Haji Wright, and Josh Sargent as options for Pochettino, Pepi is definitely one on thin ice.
2. Gio Reyna
Gio Reyna was a controversial figure at the 2022 World Cup. He surprisingly had a limited role as he made just substitute appearances against England and the Netherlands. After the tournament it was revealed by the then manager Berhalter that a player which turned out to be Reyna had not trained well after being told he was only going to have a limited role.
This led to a big drama between Berhalter and Reyna’s parents, Claudio and Danielle. Both of whom are ex-professional players, and Claudio and Gregg were even ex-teammates. Following an investigation into Berhalter’s past behavior, he was reinstated as the USMNT’s head coach. However, following a poor Copa America, he was fired.
The younger Reyna then became a fringe player at Borussia Dortmund and has gone on to have more limited game time at Borussia Monchengladbach. He was only used as a substitute by Mauricio Pochettino in recent friendly matches.
Reyna needs to get playing regularly for his club again and put past dramas behind him if he is to be a key player at the 2026 World Cup.
3. Christian Pulisic
When it comes to U.S. Soccer, drama is never far away. Pulisic has recently split up with his girlfriend, Alexa Melton, who is a professional golfer. There are even accusations from her that Pulisic was using a dating app when they were still together.
Despite being a key player for AC Milan since he joined from Chelsea, Pulisic has now registered just one assist with no goals in his last 14 Serie A games. The winger garnered a lot of criticism for opting not to be involved in last year’s Gold Cup.
The player nicknamed ‘Captain America’ is still the USMNT’s most notable player. However, he may not be able to have the starring role many fans had hoped for at the 2026 World Cup.
Pulisic is already regarded as one of the best American players for his efforts at the club level; he has won the Champions League with Chelsea and is a star at Milan. However, he is yet to produce on the international stage as much as his compatriots, such as Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan.