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The 2026 FIFA World Cup USA campaign, a tournament in which the entire country came together, will be remembered as nothing short of memorable.
On their way to a victory in Group D, the United States started hot with a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay. Aside from their 3-2 loss to Türkiye, the United States’ six points set the stage for their Round of 32 showdown against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which they won with a thrilling 2-0 victory.
However, America’s run into World Cup history came to an end after a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16. Beyond the defeat, their young and talented squad is already something to look forward to in the upcoming World Cup.
What’s next for America’s star players after their World Cup appearance?
Folarin Balogun became a hero for the United States with his goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina that took them to the round of 16. Despite his red card decision that was supposed to sideline him with a one-game suspension, FIFA declared him eligible to play after a review. Balogun is currently under contract with AS Monaco, but could move to another club this summer.
Forward Christian Pulisic came into the tournament with high expectations of achieving his goalscoring feats, but was slowed by a nagging 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 thrilled the United States and became one of the most memorable goals of the tournament. The best part? he did it again against Belgium. Tillman currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany.
In his World Cup debut for the United States, Mkennie started all five of the United States’ matches and was one of their most productive and reliable midfielders. Mkennie has played for Juventus since 2020, with a brief career at Leeds United on loan in 2023 for 6 months, and returned to Juventus in July 2023.
Returning to his second World Cup with the Stars and Stripes, Tyler Adams was a force in the midfield of 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.
Alongside Sergiño Dest at right back, Robinson’s talent complemented the work he did at left back. Robinson plays for Fulham in England.
Despite being questionable heading into the United States’ group stage matches with an ankle injury, Richards became an anchor on defense alongside defender Tim Ream at this World Cup. Richards currently plays for Crystal Palace in England.
Sergiño Dest was often seen dominating the right side as a winger and created countless opportunities on the offensive end. Dest currently plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
Ream, a veteran of the US Men’s National Team, represented the US as captain for the second consecutive tournament. Ream currently plays in the MLS with Charlotte FC.
The youngest player in the United States starting lineup at 21 years old, defenseman Alex Freeman quickly became a vital piece for the Stars and Stripes defensive line. Freeman recently signed with Villarreal last January after four years with Orlando City in MLS.
Matt Freese took over the starting position over starter Matt Turner 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 perfect goal with the outside of his foot to make the score 4-1 over Paraguay in the United States’ first group match. Reyna currently plays for Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Pepi replaced Pulisic in the starting lineup when his calf injury persisted during the group stage match against Australia, and his 75 minutes helped the United States to a 2-0 victory. Pepi currently plays for PSV Eindhoven but has been linked with a move to Premier League side Fulham.
