That makes for a three-way battle at the other spot. In the mix: Malik Tillman, one of the U.S.’s standouts in 2025; McKennie, who has been sharp for Juventus this year, with two Champions League goals; Reyna; Diego Luna, a Pochettino favorite; and Tim Weah, who is an option as a right back/right wingback/winger, but can also play inside.

As co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. automatically qualified for the tournament. It is the second time the U.S. is hosting the tournament, having done so in 1994. The other two co-hosts for 2026 are Canada and Mexico. It's the edition of the first tournament on Canadian soil and the third time for Mexico (1970, 1986).

The two-time defending champion USA was ousted by Finland in the quarterfinals of the world junior hockey championship. Game highlights:

FIFA released the World Cup schedule on Saturday that will feature 104 matches spread across 11 cities in the United States, with three in Mexico and two in Canada.

The pendulum has swung in favor of each 2026 World Cup cohost when it comes to regional superiority. So which is most set for the summer?

Canada and Finland meet in the bronze medal game on the final day of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship at Grand Casino Arena.

Arttu Valola scored at 2:11 of overtime and Finland stunned the two-time defending champion United States 4-3 on Friday night in the world junior hockey quarterfinals

Canada faces Czechia in the world junior championships semifinals for the right to play Sweden in the gold medal game.