GOAL takes a look at which players could feature in March, and which will need to cross their fingers for one more chance at a World Cup spot

Weston McKennie has told GOAL what leadership means to him, as a captaincy candidate with Juventus and the USMNT, while discussing the kind of characters that he likes to work alongside. The all-action midfielder is enjoying a productive 2026, with a new contract being signed in Turin, and is counting down the days to a home World Cup on American soil.

Weston McKennie admits that the USMNT will be under “pressure” to deliver at a home World Cup, but considers that level of expectation to bring with it “extra motivation”. The United States is counting down the days to another major tournament on American soil, with McKennie explaining to GOAL how Mauricio Pochettino’s squad will handle the demands of heat and travel.

USMNT star Weston McKennie was bizarrely slapped by his own manager after seeing Juventus score a goal in their 4-0 victory over Pisa. The United States international midfielder played the full 90 minutes of that contest, having lined up at wing-back, but may have been left sporting a sore head afterwards after being clipped on the cheek by Luciano Spalletti.

MLS has been told why retaining home-grown stars such as Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie will remain impossible in the foreseeable future, with “real football” being played in Europe. Giuseppe Rossi - who spent time in England, Italy, Spain and the United States during his playing career - has told GOAL why top American talent will continue to fly the domestic nest.