USMNT Stars Steal the Show Before Belgium and Portugal Clashes

Picture this: the weekend's club action wraps up, and 27 Yanks are jetting off to Atlanta for friendlies against Belgium and Portugal. It's crunch time for Mauricio Pochettino, who's scouting for his 2026 World Cup squad. No pressure, lads. These matches are your last dance to dazzle the gaffer. As reported by the crew at SI Soccer, we've cherry-picked three standout performers who could slot right into Poch's plans – think tactical nous, clinical finishing, and defensive steel.

Christian Pulisic: The Brain Over Brawn

Christian Pulisic hasn't troubled the scorers in 12 straight AC Milan outings, but don't write off the USMNT captain just yet. 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 games – solid, if not spectacular.

Milan clawed back to 63 points, now just six behind leaders Inter in the Scudetto scrap. Under Massimiliano Allegri's 3-5-2, Pulisic's thriving as a starter alongside Rafael Leão, using his noggin more than his nuts-and-bolts physicality. His assist for Adrien Rabiot was a masterclass in anticipation.

Milan win back possession high up, and Pulisic ghosts in from the left, top of the box. He drifts, opens lanes, spots Youssouf Fofana and an overlapping Luka Modrić (cheeky cameo there). A quick point, a visionary pass, and boom – Rabiot taps home. It's like watching a chess grandmaster in boots. Pair this with a mobile striker against Belgium or Portugal? Pochettino will be licking his lips.

Folarin Balogun: Seven in Seven, Ice in His Veins

If Pulisic's the thinker, Folarin Balogun is the finisher on fire. The AS Monaco hitman bagged his seventh goal in seven games via a cool-as-you-like penalty in a 2-1 victory over Lyon. That's nine goals and four assists from 23 Ligue 1 starts, pushing Monaco to 46 points – sniffing Champions League spots.

Balogun's form is manna from heaven for Poch. Back in November, Tim Ream raved about how his runs turbocharge Pulisic. Monaco's front three might need tweaking for USMNT's two-up-top, but his knack for space and synergy with wingers (or wingbacks) screams versatility.

Since Gregg Berhalter's era kicked off in 2019, strikers have come and gone like bad dates. Balogun? He's elevating the squad, especially our star boy Pulisic. Against top-tier opposition, his penalty poise could be gold dust.

Max Arfsten: Wingback Warrior in Waiting

Enter Max Arfsten, the Columbus Crew left midfielder turning heads in Pochettino's rebuild. He's gunning for Antonee Robinson's Fulham spot at left wingback. Club pedigree says Robinson starts, but Arfsten's 2025 USMNT cameos and current buzz might flip the script.

On a wobbly Columbus side, he stretched play before assisting Wessam Abou Ali's header in a loss to Toronto FC. In their 4-4-2, he's morphed into a hybrid wingback – bombing forward, tracking back like a terrier.

Facing Belgium and Portugal's flair? Massive test. But Arfsten's drilled in Poch's systems, giving him an edge. Fans might grumble, yet if he bosses defensive transitions, he's in the conversation.

Why It Matters for Pochettino's Puzzle

These lads embody what the USMNT craves: smarts, goals, and graft. Pulisic-Balogun could forge a lethal axis, with Arfsten bombing from deep. Atlanta awaits – impress here, and 2026 beckons. Who's your pick to shine brightest? Grab a pint and debate.