AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic makes history, Trinity Rodman stays in NWSL, USMNT stumbles at the World Cup - Ten predictions for American soccer in 2026

Though it's by no means a guarantee that he will close the season with such quality, Pulisic's Serie A campaign so far has been his best in a Milan shirt. The American has already hit double-digit goals this season despite playing less than 600 minutes, and has chipped in with two assists, too. He has, in short, been Milan's best player, and the Rossoneri are in the thick of the title hunt. That should be more than enough. 

Why not? Reyna's performances for Borussia Monchengladbach have picked up of late, and he contributed to three goals during the USMNT's friendlies in October. Pochettino's version of the U.S. is very much a meritocracy where good club form is rewarded. If Reyna keeps it up, he has far and away more talent than anyone else in his position. 

Still, it might not be enough for the U.S., who seem a tad short of the rest of the field. As the search for a signature win against a full-strength opponent goes on, it has become clear that Pochettino's men sit below football's elite. Realistically, the last 16 is their ceiling. 

The women's national team, meanwhile, are on top of the world. Head coach Emma Hayes has rotated her squad for the past 18 months, and has made an already deep player pool look even better. They have a duo of friendlies to negotiate at the end of the month, and the English manager will surely want to schedule some tough fixtures. But who can stop them?

This is a given. Unless Messi breaks his leg or forgets how to play football, it will be his - even with a World Cup to negotiate in the middle of the season. 

And even if Miami continue to work on their roster, there might be a couple of teams out there that are just deeper. LAFC are one of them. Son Heung-Min was electric after his arrival, and they likely won't miss a beat under promoted assistant manager Marc Dos Santos. It is hard to repeat in MLS - and even more difficult when the teams around you get better. 

The NWSL has been awkward in their negotiations, but with the so-called "High impact player" rule, it seems the door is now open for the biggest name in the NWSL to sign a contract worthy of her quality. All of the noise suggests Rodman wants to stay in D.C. Here's to hoping it happens. 

Kansas City enjoyed a record-breaking regular season in 2025, but crumbled in the playoffs. Part of the reason? A late injury sustained by star player and league MVP Temwa Chawinga. Well, she's back now, the Current have shaken up their front office, and appear to have retooled nicely ahead of the new year. If she's fit, the Current have a chance every time they step on the field. They also reportedly hired former Colorado Rapids head coach Chris Armas. 

This is a very boring, very safe pick. But it's the right one. Argentine are at the end of an era - even if they have tons of quality. England are England and will find a way for it all to go wrong. France are talented throughout, but have struggled for a creative leader in the team since Antoine Griezmann retired from international duty. Everyone else is a step below. Enter Spain, who are fresh off a Euro 2024 win, and can't seem to lose a game at the moment. They also have that Lamine Yamal guy, who can play a bit. 

And finally, the biggest one in the USMNT sphere. Pochettino has already been linked with jobs overseas, and even if that is agent talent, the manager has repeatedly admitted that he would like to coach in the Premier League again. And let's face it, the Argentine was hired on a short-term contract to give the USMNT a boost ahead of a home World Cup. No matter what happens this summer, his work will have been done. Surely, a Premier League club will come calling. 

And Pochettino will answer.