{"id":172869,"date":"2026-02-20T13:09:28","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T13:09:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/172869\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T13:09:28","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T13:09:28","slug":"see-the-big-names-who-could-be-there-next-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/172869\/","title":{"rendered":"See the big names who could be there next summer"},"content":{"rendered":"

The 2026 World Cup<\/a> is shaping up to be a landmark moment for soccer in the United States and FC Dallas<\/a> could have a particularly meaningful presence.<\/p>\n

Long recognized as one of the most productive talent pipelines<\/a> in American soccer, the club will see several players with direct ties to its academy or first team competing on the sport\u2019s biggest stage.<\/p>\n

Their journeys, some beginning in Frisco\u2019s youth fields, others forged through key moments with the senior squad, highlight the club\u2019s growing influence on the global game.<\/p>\n

Here are players with FCD ties competing to represent their respective countries. FCD begins its season at 7:30 p.m. Saturday<\/a> against Toronto at Frisco\u2019s Toyota Stadium.<\/p>\n

Sports Roundup<\/p>\n

Get the latest D-FW sports news, analysis and opinion delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, Kevin Sherrington’s A La Carte.<\/p>\n

By signing up, you agree to our\u00a0Terms of Service<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Privacy Policy.<\/a><\/p>\n

Related<\/p>\n

\"FCWeston McKennie <\/p>\n

Age: 27<\/p>\n

Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n

Country: United States<\/p>\n

Among the most prominent names is Weston McKennie<\/a>, a standout product of the FC Dallas academy currently playing for the Italian Serie A club Juventus.<\/p>\n

Although he launched his professional career abroad, his formative years in Dallas shaped the midfielder who has become a cornerstone of the U.S. national team<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Since debuting in 2017 with the USMNT against Portugal, the Little Elm native has earned 62 caps, scoring 11 goals and adding seven assists along the way.<\/p>\n

McKennie\u2019s game is defined by relentless energy and true box\u2011to\u2011box coverage, the kind of engine that keeps a midfield alive for 90 minutes.<\/p>\n

He dominates aerial duels, rising above opponents with timing and power that consistently give his team an edge. Defensively, he brings a strong ball\u2011winning presence.<\/p>\n

McKennie\u2019s leadership, physicality and experience in top European leagues make him one of the most recognizable.<\/p>\n

He has played 347 games across four European clubs.<\/p>\n

Ricardo Pepi <\/p>\n

Age: 23<\/p>\n

Position: Striker<\/p>\n

Country: United States<\/p>\n

Another academy success story, his rise from FCD youth prospect<\/a> to senior national team striker has been one of the most compelling American soccer narratives of recent years.<\/p>\n

Pepi\u2019s humble beginnings in El Paso have transformed into a remarkable rise, ultimately making him one of PSV\u2019s most influential players in the Dutch Eredivisie.<\/p>\n

During the recent European transfer window, Pepi came close to joining Premier League side Fulham.<\/p>\n

The 23\u2011year\u2011old striker has been in excellent form for PSV this season, so Fulham\u2019s concrete interest came as no surprise.<\/p>\n

He has scored eight goals in 15 Eredivisie matches, along with three more in the Champions League.<\/p>\n

Last season marked the best campaign of Pepi\u2019s career to date, as he netted 17 goals in 28 appearances and helped PSV capture the Eredivisie title.<\/p>\n

Pepi\u2019s instinctive finishing and ability to deliver in high\u2011pressure moments earned him a place in the U.S. squad.<\/p>\n

Since making his international debut in September 2021 in a World Cup qualifier against Honduras, he has earned 34 caps and scored 13 goals, adding three assists while wearing the USMNT jersey.<\/p>\n

For FC Dallas supporters, his 2026 World Cup appearance would represent the culmination of years of development and the promise of what the club\u2019s system can produce.<\/p>\n

Tanner Tessmann <\/p>\n

Age: 24<\/p>\n

Position: Midfielder<\/p>\n

Country: United States<\/p>\n

A graduate of the FC Dallas academy, he continues to build his reputation as a versatile and composed midfielder.<\/p>\n

His growth in European competition has strengthened his case for a significant role with the U.S. team in 2026. He currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon), where he has become a regular starter.<\/p>\n

Known for his size, defensive presence and passing range, he has also established himself as a contributor to the U.S. Men\u2019s National Team<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Tessmann\u2019s inclusion underscores the depth of talent that has passed through Dallas and the club\u2019s ability to prepare players for the demands of international soccer. He has 12 caps and has scored one goal for the USMNT.<\/p>\n

Chris Richards<\/p>\n

Age: 25<\/p>\n

Position: Center Back<\/p>\n

Country: United States<\/p>\n

Richards came through the FC Dallas youth system before launching his professional career with Bayern Munich, where he first featured for the club\u2019s reserve side. Following loan spells with 1899 Hoffenheim, he completed a move to Premier League club Crystal Palace in 2022 and went on to lift the FA Cup with the Eagles in 2025.<\/p>\n

Richards\u2019 rise with the United States men\u2019s national team has been steady and increasingly influential. After making his senior debut in late 2020, he grew from a promising young defender into one of the program\u2019s most reliable center backs. <\/p>\n

His blend of composure, athleticism and ball-playing confidence quickly earned him regular call\u2011ups, and he became a fixture in the heart of the U.S. defense.<\/p>\n

He played a key role in the United States\u2019 back\u2011to\u2011back CONCACAF Nations League triumphs in 2023 and 2024. <\/p>\n

To date, he has made 35 appearances for the USMNT, contributing three goals along the way.<\/p>\n

Richards spent two seasons in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy with FC Dallas and Texans SC Houston. He signed with FC Dallas as a Homegrown Player in 2018.<\/p>\n

Petar Musa <\/p>\n

Age: 27<\/p>\n

Position: Striker<\/p>\n

Country: Croatia<\/p>\n

On the international side, FC Dallas will also be represented by the club\u2019s dynamic Croatian striker<\/a>, who has earned a place on his national team.<\/p>\n

Musa\u2019s potential presence in the World Cup highlights FC Dallas\u2019s expanding global footprint and its ability to attract players capable of competing at the highest level.<\/p>\n

His contributions in MLS have made him a key figure to watch as he transitions to the world stage. If he stays healthy, he could be one of the most present players on the roster.<\/p>\n

Musa brings a commanding presence to the attack, especially in the air, where his size and timing make him a constant threat.<\/p>\n

He excels at hold\u2011up play, using his strength and balance to shield defenders and bring teammates into the game.<\/p>\n

Inside the box, he\u2019s an efficient and composed finisher, capable of turning half\u2011chances into goals.<\/p>\n

Musa has scored 34 goals in 60 games with FCD. He has gradually worked his way into the Croatian senior setup since 2023, scoring once in his first eight appearances.<\/p>\n

Croatia faces England in group play on June 17 at AT&T Stadium<\/a> in Arlington.<\/p>\n

Don Deedson Louicius <\/p>\n

Age: 24<\/p>\n

Position: Winger<\/p>\n

Country: Haiti<\/p>\n

A rising talent whose development in Dallas has propelled him into contention for Haiti\u2019s World Cup roster.<\/p>\n

His speed, creativity and steady improvement have made him one of the more intriguing young players connected to the club.<\/p>\n

For FC Dallas, his participation adds another layer to the organization\u2019s growing list of international success stories.<\/p>\n

Deedson thrives in one\u2011on\u2011one situations, using quick changes of direction and tight control of the ball.<\/p>\n

His movements are powerful, and he is always searching for the moment to exploit a gap to create goal chances.<\/p>\n

He joined FC Dallas in 2025 and saw limited action, logging just 21 minutes across two appearances. This year, however, he looks poised for a true breakout season with the club.<\/p>\n

For the Haitian national team, he has earned 28 caps and scored 10 goals.<\/p>\n

\"FC<\/a>Projecting FC Dallas\u2019 starting XI for 2026 MLS campaign<\/a><\/p>\n

FC Dallas will play in a 3-5-2 formation, with Petar Musa and Logan Farrington lining up at the forward spots.<\/p>\n

\"FC<\/a>FC Dallas resets its identity as it opens a new MLS season, aiming to win \u2018lots of games\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n

Entering its 31st season in MLS, FC Dallas is looking to set a winning tone early.<\/p>\n

Find more FC Dallas coverage from The Dallas Morning News here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Find more World Cup coverage from The Dallas Morning News here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a landmark moment for soccer in the United States…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":172870,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[102,104,103,2124,5964,731,154,4768,3692,29003],"class_list":["post-172869","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-dallas","tag-dallas","tag-dallas-headlines","tag-dallas-news","tag-fc-dallas","tag-listicle","tag-soccer","tag-sports","tag-us-mens-national-team","tag-world-cup","tag-world-cup-2026"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/172869","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=172869"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/172869\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/172870"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=172869"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=172869"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=172869"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}