GOAL breaks down the players who could commit to the USMNT, or elsewhere, ahead of the 2026 World Cup
By and large, the U.S. men's national team has done pretty well when it comes to dual nationals, and a quick look at the World Cup squad shows it.
Yunus Musah and Sergino Dest turned down legitimate opportunities to play for England and the Netherlands, respectively. Jesus Ferreira was eligible for Colombia, while Antonee Robinson and Cameron Carter-Vickers also could have held out for an England chance. It's farfetched, but Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah also could have played for countries other than the USMNT.
To start the 2026 cycle, the USMNT already have a win under their belts, having sealed a commitment from Alejandro Zendejas. The Club America star rejoined the U.S. in January after previously featuring for El Tri and is now set to remain with the USMNT on the international level.
But, in this day and age, the recruiting battle never ends as there are always players out there deciding their international future.
From English-bred starlets to USMNT vs. Mexico battles, dual nationals could take centerstage on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
So here's a close look at some that could make an impact in this cycle and beyond…
Getty ImagesFolarin Balogun
Balogun is the big one right now, and convincing him to play for the U.S. seems like a tall order.
The Arsenal loanee has been on fire for Reims in Ligue 1, where he's currently the league's top scorer. He's one goal ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Alexandre Lacazette, two goals ahead of Neymar and four goals ahead of Lionel Messi. Not bad, right?
Balogun fills a massive need for the USMNT, who remain in the hunt for a reliable striker. Thus far, though, he's played his age-group football exclusively for England, while he has also spoken of his desire to potentially represent Nigeria in recent months.
Both of those countries are pretty well-stocked in terms of No.9s already, however, and the USMNT would offer him the clearest path to potentially appearing at the 2026 World Cup.
Such a move would be massive for the U.S., who would then have their striker of the future.
AdvertisementGettyKevin Paredes
The newest USMNT star to break out in the Bundesliga could, technically, decide not to play for the USMNT.
Paredes has started to contribute at Wolfsburg, where he's continued to develop as a versatile weapon anywhere down the left-hand side. That should be valuable to a U.S. team that has struggled to find depth at left-back, with no one really challenging Antonee Robinson for that role in years.
Paredes hasn't quite gotten to the USMNT level just yet, but has held conversations with former manager Gregg Berhalter in recent years. Technically, though, he is still eligible to represent the Dominican Republic, his parent's home country, should he choose to.
Seeing him give up a USMNT chance to play for an international minnow would be stunning, so expect Paredes to push for a U.S. place this cycle.
Getty ImagesCade Cowell
This may well be Cowell's breakout year and, if it is, Mexico may need to make a push.
Cowell shined for the USMNT in January camp and has the abilities needed to be one of the next big exports to Europe. He's fast, athletic, direct and improving every day… what's not to love?
The U.S. seems to like Cowell and he'll likely get at least a few more chances this year depending on how he does in MLS with the San Jose Earthquakes. But Mexico does loom large, as they've already called-up his younger brother to their youth teams.
Thus far, Cowell has shown no interest in Mexico, and the U.S. will have to hope that doesn't change going forward.
Getty ImagesBrandon Vazquez
Another contender for the USMNT No.9 race, but also another player that could eventually choose to play elsewhere.
FC Cincinnati star Vazquez burst onto the scene with 18 MLS goals in 2022 and he got his USMNT career off to a memorable start with a goal in his first cap. He is still eligible for Mexico, though he hasn't had formal contact with the federation.
"For me, I try to do whatever is best for my career at the moment," he told GOAL in January. "It's hard to choose between both, but at the same time, I can't go wrong with either one. Both nations are one of the best in the world and I don't think I'll regret any decision I make with either, going with the U.S. or with Mexico.
"I have love for both and regardless of what decision I make, it won't change my feelings for the opposite one."