The MLS 2026 season is here, and this time, players face added pressure to start well, as national team managers are watching them closely ahead of the FIFA World Cup.
PFSN takes a look at the five American players who could impress Mauricio Pochettino this season.
5) Paxten Aaronson, Midfielder
Colorado Rapids
When Paxten Aaronson left Philadelphia Union for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, it felt like the next Christian Pulisic moment. However, things did not go as planned with the Bundesliga side, and the American has been with Colorado Rapids in the MLS since the summer of 2025.
The 22-year-old still has a long way to go in his career, and the midfielder will be one to watch out for this season. The second-highest valued USMNT star is yet to make his debut for the USMNT, and a good start to the season could see him getting a chance in the March friendlies.
4) Luca de la Torre, Midfielder
Charlotte FC
Mauricio Pochettino will be looking for experience in his USMNT squad this summer, and who better to have in the midfield than Luca de la Torre. He has impressed in recent friendlies, and the Charlotte FC star will look to do more in the defensive role.
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He started in 24 of his 34 appearances for Charlotte FC last season, playing just over 2,200 minutes. The 27-year-old was a key part of Pochettino’s sides in 2025 and will be someone all the Americans will be keeping an eye on, as their FIFA World Cup hopes could depend on him pushing Weston McKennie for a spot in midfield.
3) Miles Robinson, Defender
FC Cincinnati
Pochettino needed to turn things around with the USMNT after a tough start, and one of his key changes was moving to a back three. FC Cincinnati’s Miles Robinson made the most of his chance in the backline, continuing his form from the MLS games.
The two-time MLS All-Star is now the highest-paid defender in the league and will have added pressure on his shoulders. He started in all 30 of his appearances last season, and he will look to replicate those numbers this time around.
2) Sebastian Berhalter, Central Midfielder
Vancouver Whitecaps
Sebastian Berhalter was one of the breakout stars in 2025, which helped him earn his spot on the USMNT. He was a key figure for the Vancouver Whitecaps as they finished second last season, scoring 4 goals and assisting 11 times.
He has Thomas Müller to help him out once again this season, and the American will be soaking it all in from the FIFA World Cup winner as he gears up for his first edition this summer.
1) Tristan Blackmon, Defender
Vancouver Whitecaps
Better late than never, and that’s what Pochettino did by affording Tristan Blackmon his USMNT debut last year. The Vancouver Whitecaps star has played just twice for the national side and will be keen to make the FIFA World Cup squad.
The Canadian side finished second in the Western Conference last season, and he played in their CONCACAF Champions League run to the final as well.
