The CONCACAF Gold Cup schedule gets underway for the U.S. men’s national team on Sunday night and there are several players needing strong performances to help boost their stock ahead of 2026.
From Malik Tillman to Mark McKenzie, plenty of players on Mauricio Pochettino’s roster can help themselves with a strong summer window before the start of the new European season. While many haven’t had tons of opportunities under the Argentine manager, there will be little room for mistakes with the World Cup less than 365 days away.
Here is a closer look at five USMNT players needing a strong run at the CONCACAF Gold Cup:
Malik Tillman
Malik Tillman’s production at club level has certainly made him a top target in European Football, but the attacking midfielder hasn’t been able to translate that over to the USMNT.
Tillman, 23, has registered just one assist in 18 USMNT caps to date, with that lone helper coming in a recent 2-1 loss to Turkey. Despite being a productive attacker for PSV over the past two seasons, Tillman has offered little in his USMNT appearances.
With Pochettino needing someone to step up in Christian Pulisic’s absence, Tillman has the ability to be that player. However, a quiet summer window could hurt his chances for involvement later this fall.
Mark McKenzie
The USMNT’s revolving door of center backs has continued this summer and Mark McKenzie is one that will want to lock down a starting spot.
After delivering a strong first season with Toulouse in France’s Ligue 1, McKenzie has featured in both of the USMNT’s match this month. The 26-year-old is one of the more versatile defenders in the center back pool, and could be a nice partner to Chris Richards long-term.
However, with Tim Ream and Miles Robinson also seeking minutes, McKenzie will have to limit any mistakes out of the back.
Matt Turner
Another position that isn’t guaranteed just yet in the USMNT squad is goalkeeper.
30-year-old Matt Turner has earned the bulk of the opportunities under Pochettino, but overall has shown worrying signs at times. Despite being of the more veteran keepers in the player pool, Turner hasn’t shown enough to guarantee himself the No. 1 job long-term.
With a reported move to Lyon edging closer to fruition though, Turner will have a golden opportunity to earn consistent minutes at club level over the next 12 months. First he will need to deliver a strong Gold Cup before that transfer potentially gets over the line.
Johnny Cardoso
The absences of Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah could very well open the door for Johnny Cardoso to pad his stock.
Cardoso, 23, featured against both Turkey and Switzerland, but endured a tough moment against Turkey which led to the equalizing goal of the match. An aggressive and hardworking midfielder, Cardoso hasn’t been up to his best so far this window.
Atletico Madrid and Tottenham remain interested in acquiring Cardoso this summer, but a poor summer could hurt his chances of a move from Real Betis.
Haji Wright
A quiet summer from Haji Wright could prove vital in his race to become a consistent player for the USMNT.
The 26-year-old Wright played just 25 minutes in the last two matches, despite delivering a double-digit goalscoring campaign for EFL Championship side Coventry City. Wright, who has four goals in 16 USMNT caps, hasn’t scored on the international stage since March 2024’s CONCACAF Nations League Final Four.
His versatility certainly helps his stock as a forward, but with Ricardo Pepi, Folarin Balogun, and Josh Sargent all remaining options in the player pool, Wright will face competition in the fall.
