As the calendar turns toward 2026, the race for a spot in Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup squad has reached a fever pitch. With only six months remaining until the tournament on home soil, every club performance is being scrutinized. This week, several key figures in the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) pool made emphatic statements across Europe’s top leagues.
Here are the top four American performers from the past week, ranked by their current form and impact.
1. Christian Pulisic (AC Milan)
“Captain America” continues to be the standard-bearer for the program. This week, Pulisic cemented his status as arguably the best player in Serie A right now. Following a match-winning brace against Torino earlier in the month, Italian media outlets have ranked him as the highest-rated player in the league for the first half of the 2025-26 season.
With 13 league goals in the calendar year 2025—a career-best—Pulisic is playing with a level of confidence and clinical finishing that the USMNT will desperately need in 2026. His ability to influence games both as a starter and a high-impact substitute makes him the undisputed #1 on this week’s list.
2. Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven)
The “Pepi-train” shows no signs of slowing down. This weekend, the young striker netted his ninth goal of the season in a crucial 2-1 comeback victory over FC Utrecht. What makes Pepi’s form so impressive is his efficiency; he has now scored in four of his last five appearances.
His connection with teammate Sergino Dest for the equalizing goal was a welcome sight for USMNT fans, proving that the chemistry between core national team players is translating to club success. As the battle for the starting #9 spot heats up, Pepi is currently making the strongest case.
3. Weston McKennie (Juventus)
McKennie’s resilience has become his trademark. After recently reaching the historic milestone of 200 appearances for Juventus, he followed it up this week with a masterful performance in the Champions League and domestic play.
McKennie’s versatility remains his greatest asset for Pochettino. Whether deployed in a central role or drifting wide, his “magical” goal-scoring instincts and defensive work rate have made him “untouchable” in the Juventus lineup. His ability to deliver in high-pressure European nights is exactly the experience the U.S. will lean on during the World Cup.
4. Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
While attackers often grab the headlines, “Jedi” Robinson has been a model of consistency in the Premier League. In Fulham’s recent 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, Robinson was a defensive wall, earning high match ratings for his interceptions and progressive carries.
Statistically, Robinson remains one of the top-performing fullbacks in England, particularly in aerial duels and defensive contributions. With the left-back position being one of the few “settled” spots in the USMNT XI, Robinson’s sustained elite form in the world’s most difficult league is vital for the team’s defensive structure.
On the Radar
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Patrick Agyemang: The Derby County striker is surging with five goals in his last 12 caps and a recent Boxing Day strike.
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Gio Reyna: Finding his rhythm with consecutive starts at Borussia Mönchengladbach.