USMNT Stars Steal the Show Ahead of Belgium and Portugal Tests

Picture this: the weekend's club football frenzy winds down, and 27 USMNT players are already eyeing their suitcases, bound for Atlanta. They're chasing those crucial minutes in friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, all to catch new gaffer's Mauricio Pochettino's eye before the 2026 World Cup squad drops. As reported by SI Soccer, three Yanks turned heads with their displays – let's chat about them over a pint, shall we?

Christian Pulisic: The Brainy Winger Who Sees What Others Miss

Christian Pulisic hasn't troubled the scorers in 12 straight AC Milan games, but don't write him off yet, mate. He chipped in with his first assist of 2026 during a gritty 3-2 win over Torino, ending a drought since late September. That's eight goals and three assists in 23 Serie A outings now, and it helped Milan claw back to 63 points, just six adrift of leaders Inter.

Playing in Paulo Fonseca's 3-5-2 alongside Rafael Leão, Pulisic's been a starter, but it's his noggin that's shining. That assist to Adrien Rabiot? Pure class. He drifted from the left, spotted the patterns, directed Youssouf Fofana to feed Luka Modrić, then timed his run like a pro. Arm out, vision lane open – goal! Without the brawn of a target man, it's his tactical nous that unlocks defences. Perfect for Poch's fluid setups against the Belgians.

Folarin Balogun: Seven Bangs in Seven – Monaco's Hotshot is Simmering

If Pulisic's the conductor, Folarin Balogun is the finisher belting out goals. The lad bagged his seventh in seven for AS Monaco, coolly slotting a pen in a 2-1 victory over Lyon. That's nine goals and four assists from 23 Ligue 1 games, nudging Monaco to 46 points – two shy of Champions League spots.

Balogun's form is music to Pochettino's ears. Back in November, Tim Ream raved about how his runs amplify Pulisic's magic. Sure, Monaco's front three differs from a two-striker system, but his off-ball movement and link-up with wingers? Gold dust. Since Gregg Berhalter's days, strikers have come and gone – nearly two dozen – but Balogun elevates the attack. Pair him with Capi, and Belgium's backline could have nightmares.

Max Arfsten: The Wingback Warrior Battling for His Spot

Then there's Max Arfsten, Pochettino's 2025 pet project, duking it out with Fulham's Antonee Robinson for left wingback duties. On a wobbly Columbus Crew, he still bossed it against Toronto FC, whipping in an assist for Wessam Abou Ali's header in a losing effort.

Arfsten's adapted brilliantly to midfield in Columbus's 4-4-2, blending attack with dogged defending – think wingback without the badge. His field's-wide stretches and transitions scream Poch's system. Fans might grumble over club pedigree, but form talks. Facing Portugal's flair and Belgium's steel? A massive test, but his familiarity could edge out Robinson. Watch this space.

These three – Pulisic's IQ, Balogun's goals, Arfsten's grit – could slot straight into Pochettino's recalibrated USMNT. With wingbacks bombing and forwards linking, it's tantalising. Atlanta awaits; let's see who impresses the boss.