Another European club season is rapidly approaching, marking the final stretch before the 2026 World Cup, intensifying the pressure on U.S. Men's National Team players in Europe to prove their worth. Alexi Lalas has highlighted five USMNT players with the most to prove in Europe.
Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven) Back from an ACL injury, Sergiño Dest's initial signs are promising. The primary concern for Dest is proving his fitness and ability to remain healthy throughout the season. Beyond health, tactical questions linger about his defensive capabilities, especially under a coach like Mauricio Pochettino. While Dest offers a lot going forward, there are questions about whether he is defensively sound enough. Some believe that Pochettino may prefer fullbacks who are not solely attack-minded. However, his talent makes it difficult to keep him off the pitch, and a healthy and ready Dest would significantly bolster the USMNT.
Tim Weah (Marseille) Tim Weah's versatility, having played six different positions, is a valuable asset. Despite this, Weah faces stiff competition for a starting spot in the 2026 World Cup, particularly with the emergence of players like Diego Luna and Malik Tillman, and Christian Pulisic's ability to play on the right wing. Weah needs to fight to hold onto his starting spot for 2026.
Folarin Balogun When Balogun committed to the U.S. in 2023, it was seen as a potentially transformative moment, with some suggesting he was the missing piece. He was coming off a 20-goal season while on loan. However, since moving to Monaco, he has only scored a total of 12 goals in two seasons, partly due to injuries. There are still some who believe Balogun offers the highest ceiling among the center forwards in the USMNT pool.
Other Considerations Several other USMNT players in Europe also have a lot to prove. The upcoming season is crucial for these players to solidify their positions within their respective clubs and demonstrate their readiness for the 2026 World Cup. Their performances in Europe will significantly influence their roles and opportunities within the national team.
