Did you catch soccer fever over the summer and want to know what's next for American stars after the FIFA World Cup?
With international duties now behind them, many of the top names from the U.S. men's national team will now set their sights on a new challenge: the 2026-27 club season. Settled among the top leagues in Europe, a growing list of Americans will continue to develop and fine tune their skills within the rosters of elite clubs from abroad.
And with more and more names making the move to Europe, tracking them all can at times feel, well, overwhelming for even die-hard supporters of the beautiful game. With that in mind, we've got you covered with ESPN's guide to following USMNT stars in their 2026-27 club seasons.
Of course, tracking every American in the top European leagues would be far too long of a list, so to keep things simple, we've narrowed it down to 10 noteworthy players that we believe you should be following. In no particular order, let's dive in.
Christian Pulisic | Attacker | AC Milan | Serie A
How did his World Cup go?
It was fair-to-middling. Amid flashes of brilliance, he also failed to provide consistent performances, while dealing with injuries. Tasked with taking charge of the attack through the left flank, but providing no goals and one assist, Pulisic himself admitted feeling "disappointed" after the round-of-16 exit.
How does he fit into his club's setup?
Whether he's an attacking midfielder, winger or a wide forward, Pulisic provides plenty of work in the opposition's half. As a chance creator and goal scorer, the 27-year-old relies on his dribbling, pace and vision to provide game-changing moments. At his best, he is capable of being one of the top players for his club and one of the standouts in Serie A.
What to know about his club
Pedigree and status comes to mind when thinking about the 126-year-old club with 19 Serie A titles and seven European Cup/Champions League trophies. Despite the fact that they're in a transitional era with new coach Ruben Amorim, expectations will remain high as they chase a spot in Italy's top four, which would secure a place in next season's UEFA Champions League. Deep runs in both the Coppa Italia and UEFA Europa League will also be expected.
One big question: Will Pulisic stay fit?
He doesn't have the best record when it comes to staying healthy. Last season, Pulisic missed seven matches through injury, which limited him to just 1,609 minutes -- down roughly a third compared to his previous two seasons in Italy. At the World Cup, the injury setbacks continued, leading to him being a doubt for Sunday's season opener at Torino. Pulisic has the tools to shine, but that's all dependent on how much time he spends on the pitch.
Where can you watch him play?
Serie A: CBS, Paramount+
UEFA Europa League: CBS, Paramount+
Coppa Italia: CBS, Paramount+
Folarin Balogun | Forward | AS Monaco | Ligue 1
How did his World Cup go?
If we're avoiding the elephant in the room of what happened off the field that was out of his control, Balogun had a successful run in the World Cup. Very few complaints about the striker, who stepped up with three goals across four appearances. A constant threat in the attack, he did earn a red card that initially left him off the U.S.'s final game, although it's debatable whether that was the correct decision from the referee.
How does he fit into his club's setup?
You'll see similar performances at club level to the ones we watched over the summer. Much more than just a goal scorer, the 25-year-old is clever with his sprints and connects well with the rest of the front line. And as seen with the USMNT, he's also a clinical finisher. Last season he averaged a goal every 75 minutes, scoring 13 times.
What to know about his club
It's a rebuild/redemption season for Monaco with new manager Filipe Luís leading a side that had an underwhelming finish in 2025-26. Looking at a team that gave up 54 goals across 34 games, Filipe Luís will first have to fix defensive issues that hampered progress. That said, we'll see how many key players they hold onto in the transfer window.
One big question: Will he stay at Monaco?
Of the players who are potentially on the move this transfer window, none may be as important to Monaco than Balogun. Thanks to a positive World Cup and 2025-26 season, there's been interest from clubs in France, England and Spain, with Tottenham Hotspur mooted as a possible landing spot.
Where can you watch him play?
Ligue 1: beIN Sports
Coupe de France: Fox
UEFA Conference League: CBS, Paramount+
Weston McKennie | Midfielder | Juventus | Serie A
How did his World Cup go?
With five World Cup starts under his belt this summer, there's no denying that McKennie is one of the more pivotal pieces of the USMNT puzzle. Like most others on this list, he'll get docked points for his performance against Belgium, but the midfielder thrived with his chance creation and endless roaming.
How does he fit into his club's setup?
Where doesn't he? Able to play as a competent wingback, anywhere in the midfield, and even as a false nine if needed, Juventus have plugged McKennie into countless positions. Well rounded and with excellent stamina, he'll be a valuable utility option in the starting XI.
What to know about his club
As the most successful side in Italy, becoming a title contender once again will be the bare minimum for the team that finished in sixth last season. Like Milan, there will also be an expectation to make deep runs in both the Europa League and Coppa Italia. A handful of reinforcements, such as the return of Randal Kolo Muani, could help.
One big question: Where will he play most often?
This is less of a worry and more genuine curiosity about the player who would start as a false nine at the top of the attack one game, move to fullback in the next, and would then switch to a midfield spot in the heart of the XI. Keep an eye on the highly versatile player.
Where can you watch him play?
Serie A: CBS, Paramount+
UEFA Europa League: CBS, Paramount+
Coppa Italia: CBS, Paramount+
Gio Reyna | Midfielder | Strasbourg | Ligue 1
How did his World Cup go?
With the caveat that he went into the summer as something of a surprise roster addition due to having very few starts at club level, the World Cup was a small step forward. He got a goal in the opener and earned 76 minutes vs. Türkiye, which marks the most he has played in any match in all of 2026 for club or country.
How does he fit into his club's setup?
Transferred to Strasbourg this summer, we'll have to wait and see what his exact role will be, although he played 45 minutes of a friendly vs. Newcastle United in an advanced role. The good news for the attacking midfielder? He earned an assist for the equalizer in the 1-1 draw.
What to know about his club
Much like sister club Chelsea under the BlueCo umbrella, Strasbourg aim to qualify for European competition with a very young roster. In the match against Newcastle, for example, the average age of the starting XI was 22.5. Reyna, 23, fits neatly into this youthful focus.
One big question: Can he finally become a starter for his club?
Once viewed as the most promising American player of his generation, Reyna's stock has plummeted in recent years after being unable to cement a starting role. Looking at his last two seasons in the Bundesliga, the midfielder had just seven starts.
Where can you watch him play?
Ligue 1: beIN Sports
Coupe de France: Fox
Chris Richards | Defender | Crystal Palace | Premier League
How did his World Cup go?
Defensive solidity? Check. Crucial distributor from the back? Check. Excellent in the air? Check that one off as well. A positive World Cup run for the Alabama native who once again highlighted why he's the top central defender in the program.
How does he fit into his club's setup?
Playing in the center of a three-man back line or just off to the right, Richards shares similar responsibilities at club level when it comes to his accurate distribution going forward. He's just as much of a rock when it comes to his defensive interventions, and can also occasionally push forward to help cover the midfield.
What to know about his club
Building off their historic Conference League title last season, Crystal Palace will aim for midtable stability in the Premier League in 2026-17 while also finding a way to make some noise in the Europa League. Whether they can do so will come down to new coach Pierre Sage.
One big question: Can he level up once again?
Moving to the Premier League has done wonders for the player who has risen to be the top central defender in the American player pool, but can he reach another gear? Only 26, he could add to his game even further if he can improve some of his defensive awareness and long passes.
Where can you watch him play?
Premier League: NBC, USA, Peacock
FA Cup: ESPN
Carabao Cup: CBS, Paramount+
UEFA Europa League: CBS, Paramount+
Alex Freeman | Defender | Villarreal | LaLiga
How did his World Cup go?
From the U.S. roster, Freeman was the breakout star. Playing as a right back and right-sided central defender, the 22-year-old from Florida rose to the occasion with a goal, an assist and a long list of interventions in the backline.
How does he fit into his club's setup?
With Villarreal, the Orlando City academy graduate is still a substitute option at right back. Arriving in Spain in January, and still playing in MLS' reserve league just two seasons ago, fans might have to be patient when it comes to him earning a starting role in one the best leagues in the world.
What to know about his club
After lifting their expectations last season with a third-place finish, there's a lot of intrigue and excitement about what Villarreal can do in both LaLiga and also the Champions League. Leading them on the sidelines will be new coach Iñigo Pérez, who could implement a more aggressive style of play.
One big question: Will his development continue at breakneck speed?
It's worth reiterating just how quickly Freeman has gone from MLS academy prospect to World Cup starter. Two years ago, he was still earning minutes in MLS' reserve league and was nowhere on the USMNT radar. Within a matter of months he then became one of the best players in MLS, a go-to call-up for the USMNT and now a LaLiga player. Perhaps that starting role with Villarreal won't be too far out of reach.
Where can you watch him play?
La Liga: ESPN
Copa del Rey: ESPN
UEFA Champions League: CBS, Paramount+
Tyler Adams | Midfielder | AFC Bournemouth | Premier League
How did his World Cup go?
A solid run for the central midfielder who contributed to both the defense and attack with his coverage in the center of the pitch and his distribution. Few players in the USMNT roster can match his elite combo of aggression and stamina.
How does he fit into his club's setup?
Playing as a defensive midfielder for club and country, there aren't any major differences between the way that Adams performs his duty with the USMNT and Bournemouth. Nonetheless, while he is used as an additional defensive shield within the USMNT midfield, Adams has been known to move into higher areas for Bournemouth in order to win back the ball.
What to know about his club
With an impressive sixth-place finish last season, Bournemouth qualified for a European competition for the first time in their history. The goal in 2026-27 will be to maintain at least a midtable position in the Premier League, while also looking competitive in their Europa League debut. Part of their evolution means adapting to new coach Marco Rose, and some upgrades to their stadium.
One big question: Can he avoid another major injury?
Whether Adams can stay fit for a full season is another worry for USMNT fans. Over the last few years, issues ranging from a hamstring problem, back ailment and sprained left MCL have hindered regular playing time and caused him to sit out for stretches of time. We'll see if he can avoid another significant knock in 2026-27.
Where can you watch him play?
Premier League: NBC, USA, Peacock
FA Cup: ESPN
Carabao Cup: CBS, Paramount+
UEFA Europa League: CBS, Paramount+
Sergiño Dest | Defender | PSV Eindhoven | Eredivisie
How did his World Cup go?
A hit-or-miss tournament for the player who oscillated between a winger with defensive duties and a fullback with winger tendencies. Perfectly illustrated in the knockout round, he stepped up in the USMNT's round-of-32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, but was then substituted out at halftime in the next match vs Belgium.
How does he fit into his club's setup?
It isn't as a winger, but considering how far up Dest plays as fullback for PSV, he's someone who takes up much of the attacking space on the flanks (typically on the right) whenever he's on the field. It's entertaining yet chaotic with how he plays, and it also leads to some jeopardy with the space he leaves open behind.
What to know about his club
Second all time in Eredivisie championships and with three consecutive league titles in hand, another domestic trophy is anticipated in 2026-27 for Dest and fellow American Ricardo Pepi at PSV. The USMNT duo will also be expected to make a splash in the Champions League, but a title chase there is far too difficult.
One big question: Can he refine his defensive game?
At the peak of his abilities, Dest, 25, is a captivating watch with his daring runs and risky sprints forward, but there's a reason as to why Barcelona moved on and he didn't stick at AC Milan. His defensive decision-making and scanning leave much to be desired, and if he wants to hold his starting spot with the national team, he needs to improve his backline work.
Where can you watch him play?
Eredivisie: ESPN
KNVB Cup: ESPN
UEFA Champions League: CBS, Paramount+
Antonee Robinson | Defender | Fulham | Premier League
How did his World Cup go?
A decent yet not remarkable showing at the World Cup. As the go-to left back, he was imposing against Australia and made his mark in the knockout match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, but also wasn't as impactful as he should have been against Belgium. Didn't lose his starting role, but it's not guaranteed going forward.
How does he fit into his club's setup?
Now a well-established member of the Fulham squad, Robinson should hold onto his spot as the high-flying accelerator on the left flank that can provide some whipped crosses and combative efforts in defense. At 29, he's likely already fulfilled his potential, and with his history of injury issues, he may have hit his ceiling.
What to know about his club
Can new coach Álvaro Arbeloa take Fulham from midtable regulars to fighting for spots in European competitions? Assuming that they won't be fighting for the league title, supporters will be more eager to watch Fulham stepping up in domestic competitions like the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
One big question: Will he ever get a big transfer?
Manchester United are reportedly considering a move, and in the past, Liverpool, among others, have had an interest in the pacy fullback. With Fulham since 2020, and now almost 30 years old, it feels as if he were to make a leap to a bigger club, it would be in the near future.
Where can you watch him play?
Premier League: NBC, USA, Peacock
FA Cup: ESPN
Carabao Cup: CBS, Paramount+
Malik Tillman | Midfielder | Bayer Leverkusen | Bundesliga
How did his World Cup go?
Tillman earned not just one, but two, highlight-reel moments with a couple of free-kick goals in the knockout round. The 24-year-old also provided an assist in the tournament opener vs. Paraguay. Scrappy with winning the ball back but also creative with his chance creation, the attacking midfielder had a commendable World Cup run.
How does he fit into his club's setup?
He might be asking himself the same thing after drifting in and out of the starting XI in 2025-26. Following his notable appearances at the World Cup, he'll hope to gain a boost in the start to the new season and to settle himself into the XI.
What to know about his club
After a historic Bundesliga title in the 2023-24 season, Bayer Leverkusen have slowly slumped down the standings and fell to sixth in 2025-26. With Carles Martínez Novell as the new coach, the club will aim to move back into the title-contender conversation and to also make deep runs in the DFB-Pokal and Europa League.
One big question: Will Tillman remain in Leverkusen?
As mentioned earlier, Tillman wasn't able to establish a starting role with Leverkusen, leading to comments from the player that have noted that he's open to a move. If he's not immediately utilized in the first couple of games, don't be surprised if he's transferred this summer.
Where can you watch him play?
Bundesliga: USA, Fandango
DFB-Pokal: TBC
UEFA Europa League: CBS, Paramount+