Europa League could shape seasons for USMNT World Cup core | OneFootball

The Europa League starts this week, and it could help define the seasons of several U.S. men’s national team World Cup mainstays. It is not the Champions League, but this stage still makes reputations.

“To win a Europa League, that the team won, is good, but it’s not enough. It is not enough to challenge for the Carabao Cup, or the FA Cup, or the Europa League, or the Conference [League],” Mauricio Pochettino said on The High Performance Podcast in February 2026. With Americans prominent, that view may be tested.

AC Milan and Juventus count among the favourites, putting Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie under the glare. Pulisic returned for Milan, came on at half-time in a 2-2 draw with Lazio and assisted, while Yunus Musah impressed off the bench.

Juventus missed the Champions League after finishing sixth last season and have begun 2-1-1 under Luciano Spalletti. McKennie has managed muscle fatigue, rejoined full training and is aiming to face NEC Nijmegen in Turin on Thursday.

Tyler Adams and Bournemouth could spring a surprise, with the club in Europe for the first time after last season’s sixth-place finish. Adams has started the past two and plays in Europe for the first time since RB Leipzig’s 2021-22 semi-final run.

Malik Tillman could seize the spotlight after a World Cup that highlighted his set-piece threat. Tim Weah captains Marseille and needs a lift after a forgettable tournament. With Pochettino refreshing the USMNT, Europa League Thursdays could carry extra weight.

Source: NY Times

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