GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad, including Pepi and PSV riding stunning a Champions League win

It’s hard to believe, but there are fewer than eight months until the World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026. 

If there is one area in which U.S. men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino has differentiated himself from his predecessors, it’s that his player pool is continuing to expand, rather than contract, as the tournament draws closer. The likes of Cristian Roldan, Haji Wright, and Miles Robinson are emerging in Pochettino’s rotation, meaning the competition for spots is increasing – even for well-established players. 

That all, of course, impacts American playing abroad. Is Ricardo Pepi, for example, still the No. 2 – or even potentially the No. 1 striker? Injuries have derailed his playing time over the past few months, but the PSV striker sent a reminder of his quality as his team stunned Napoli 6-2 midweek in the Champions League.

And then there’s Tanner Tessmann, who, a few months ago, was firmly out of the rotation. The Lyon midfielder was a solid role player in Ligue 1 last season, but he’s emerged as a key player for the French side this year, and that form was reflected in his impressive performances for the USMNT in October. Can he help Lyon mount a surprising title bid this season?

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines among Americans Abroad this weekend.