USMNT World Cup Watch: MLS stars stake their claim for March camp

Three weeks into the 2026 MLS season, the early pace-setters are beginning to emerge from the pack. In the Western Conference, San Diego, LAFC and the Vancouver Whitecaps all boast 100% records, while New York City FC and Nashville SC are a point ahead of Inter Miami at the top of the East.

But there is another race underway in MLS, with a number of players jostling for a place in Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT squad for this summer’s World Cup. With so many top American players now plying their trade overseas, only the very best in MLS will be called up for a historic tournament on home soil. Pochettino will soon name his squad for the March international friendlies and a few MLS-based players have pushed themselves into serious contention.

In the first installment of our USMNT World Cup Watch, here are three MLS players who have strengthened their World Cup prospects so far in 2026...

The Lock: Sebastian Berhalter

The Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder came into the new year off the back of a career season in 2025, both for club and for country. He was a key part of the Whitecaps team that made it to MLS Cup and made eight USMNT starts last year, scoring his first international goal in a 5-1 win over Uruguay.

Replicating his Best XI form is going to be a tough ask for Berhalter this year but he has began the season well. He has started in all three Vancouver wins and provided a goal and an assist from the center of midfield. Pochettino clearly appreciates Berhalter’s mix of technical ability and physical dynamism. One good performance in the March friendlies could make him a lock for the summer.

The Contender: Roman Celentano

Still yet to make his first senior international appearance, Roman Celentano must be wondering if his moment will ever come. The FC Cincinnati goalkeeper has been called up to five international camps but hasn’t made it onto the field. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old still has a chance of making the roster for this summer’s tournament after bigger names have failed to impress.

Matt Freese and Matt Turner are certain picks, but the likes of Ethan Howarth and Zack Steffen have slipped down the pecking order under Pochettino. Celentano has shown his shot-stopping abilities already in 2026 and could stake a claim for the third goalkeeping spot.

The Wild Card: Xavier Gozo

It would be an incredible story. The 18-year-old winger from Utah has been deployed at right-back for Real Salt Lake in the early weeks of 2026 and has taken the opportunity with both hands. Xavier Gozo has a goal and an assist from his first three games of the season and was named to the Matchday 3 Best XI.

Gozo is certainly a long shot to claim a World Cup place but injuries and losses of form could ease his pathway into the team. Sergiño Dest suffered a hamstring injury for PSV last weekend, putting his place in doubt. Alex Freeman made a move to LaLiga side Villarreal in January and has played just 31 minutes since, sparking concern over his match fitness for this summer’s tournament. If both Dest and Freeman find themselves out of contention, Gozo could still make a late charge to clinch a spot in Pochettino’s World Cup roster.

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