As the 2025 season unfolds, the US men’s national team arrives at a pivotal moment: there’s clear momentum in talent development, but the side also faces hard lessons that must be fixed before co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup. So you need to know the top 10 US Soccer Players to Watch in 2025
In 2025, The U.S. fell 2–1 to Mexico in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup final. A result that underlined both progress in personnel and tactical gaps that need addressing.
Since Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment as US head coach in 2024, the staff has used focused training camps and well-chosen friendlies to accelerate the team’s tactical identity and squad chemistry ahead of 2026. Pochettino’s early plans included a 27-player training camp in late spring to test combinations and get younger players high-quality minutes.v
Tactically the US team has leaned toward a possession-based, high-press approach while also experimenting with more compact defensive shapes when needed Pochettino has balanced attacking fluidity with moments of defensive caution as he tries to find a World Cup-ready spine. In the 2026 edition, the world’s best players and 48 qualified teams will gather in the US for FIFA’s top soccer tournament.
That tactical direction explains why both technically gifted midfielders and physical, aerially strong centre-backs are being prioritised in selection choices.
Preparation for 2026 has therefore emphasized three things:
- Testing combinations in friendlies and camps,
- Building a clear tactical identity that can be adapted per opponent,
- Accelerating the development of young attackers so they can finish chances at the highest level.
Early roster projections and expert analysis point to forwards such as Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi, plus creative outlets and wing options, as likely central figures in the next year’s plans.
Top 10 US Soccer Players to Watch in 2025
From the electric creativity of Christian Pulisic to the defensive solidity of Chris Richards, American talent is making its mark on the world stage like never before. Most of the Top US Soccer Players belong to the Best Soccer Academy in the US.
As of August 2025, the following ten players have distinguished themselves through consistent performances, club success across top European leagues, and vital contributions to the U.S. men’s national team.
Here are list of the Top 10 US Soccer Players to Watch in 2025 and 2026 FIFA World Cup –
10. Patrick Agyemang (Forward, Derby County)
The surprise Gold Cup hero, Agyemang’s two goals helped the U.S. reach the final. After 22 goals in 72 MLS matches, his move to Derby County in August 2025 brings momentum and clinical finishing to the Championship.
9. Malik Tillman (Midfielder, Bayer Leverkusen)
The German-born attacker impressed at PSV before signing a five-year deal with Leverkusen. His three goals and three assists in the 2025 Gold Cup underscore his rising stock.
8. Tyler Adams (Midfielder, Bournemouth)
Now plying his trade in England’s top flight, Adams brings unmatched work rate, precise distribution, and tenacity to mid-table Bournemouth and the national team’s engine room.
7. Folarin Balogun (Striker, AS Monaco)
After switching allegiance from England, Balogun’s scoring touch—21 goals in the 2023–24 Ligue 1 season—earned him a starting spot in Monaco’s attack. He tallied five goals in 17 USMNT appearances last year.
6. Giovanni Reyna (Attacking Midfielder, Borussia Dortmund)
When fit, Reyna’s vision, quick feet, and deadly through balls make him a game-changer. Injuries have hampered his consistency, but his ceiling remains world-class.
5. Chris Richards (Center Back, Crystal Palace)
Richards anchors Palace’s defense in the Premier League while providing aerial dominance, precise passing, and calm under pressure. His 23 caps for the national team showcase his importance at the back.
4. Yunus Musah (Midfielder, AC Milan)
Still only 22, Musah’s combination of technical skill and aggressive box-to-box play has seen him earn more substitute appearances for Milan and grow into a midfield stalwart for the USMNT.
3. Ricardo Pepi (Striker, PSV Eindhoven)
After a breakout MLS campaign, Pepi’s move to PSV in late 2024 allowed him to refine his finishing in the Eredivisie. His 12 goals in 28 appearances pushed the Netherlands side to a league runner-up finish.
2. Weston McKennie (Midfielder, Juventus)
The midfield engine of both Juventus and the U.S. national team, McKennie’s relentless pressing, tactical intelligence, and knack for late runs into the box have made him indispensable. His leadership off the ball underpins coach Gregg Berhalter’s system.
1. Christian Pulisic (Forward, AC Milan)
With four goals and three assists leading the USMNT in 2024–25, Pulisic combines blistering dribbling, intelligent movement, and veteran savvy at just 26 years old. A four-time U.S. Soccer Male Player of the Year, he captains both club and country and was honored as Best Soccer Player at the 2025 ESPYs.