Trending topics:
US national team

Super League: USMNT players who could miss the next World Cup

Following the conflict unleashedwith the creation of the European Super League, players belonging to teamsin that competition might not be able to feature for their National Teams anymore. Check out which Americanscould miss the next World Cup.

Published by

By martín o’donnell

Some key players from the USMNT might not be able to continue being selected (Getty).
Some key players from the USMNT might not be able to continue being selected (Getty).

The announcement of the European Super League shocked the world of soccer. Despite it was an idea that has beendiscussed for a long time, all of a sudden most of the greatest clubs have confirmed they would be playing an independent tournament, unattached to the UEFA and FIFA.

These two governing bodies find themselves on the opposite side to this plan that twelve significant teams have encouraged. In the middle of a huge conflict that may change the course of the beautiful game, UEFA’s president, Alexander Ceferin, stated that players from Super Leagueteams won’t be allowed to represent their national teams. That would forbid them to feature in the World Cup, for instance.

This would be a massive blow for those countries whose talents feature in some of the clubs linked to the newcontroversial tournament. The United States National Team relies on a handful of stars who would be concerned by this new rule in case the Super League finally takes place. Check out who are those players here.

Advertisement

Zack Steffen (Manchester City)

Zack Steffen

Zack Steffen has seen first-team action with the Sky Blues (Getty).

The 26-year-old is enjoying his first season being part of the Manchester City squad. Well, he was acquired by the Citizens in 2019, but that year he remained in Columbus Crew and once he moved, Steffen was sent to Fortuna Dusseldorfon loan. In the current campaign, he stayed to be Ederson’s back-upand even made his debutwith City’s first team. Later, Steffen went on to have more games replacing Ederson. He has appeared 11 times this season, keeping a clean sheet in five of them. It would be disappointing for the US to miss such a goalkeeper due to the Super League.

Advertisement

Christian Pulisic (Chelsea)

Christian Pulisic

Pulisic could be a huge loss for the US if the Super League begins (Getty).

Arguably the best player in the entire USMNT, Pulisic would probably be the most hurtful loss if the soccer’s governing bodies disallow him to play with his country. Chelsea‘s midfielder has earned a spot in Thomas Tuchel’s squad, who is flying since the German was named in charge of the team. Pulisic is one of the most exciting talents the US National Team has ever had, and his presence in the starting eleven is a must.

Advertisement

Weston McKennie (Juventus)

Weston McKennie

McKennie is another important midfielder in the USMNT (Getty).

Juventus are one of the 12 giants involved in the creation of the Super League. McKennie, another thrilling prospect from the USMNT, has charmed the Italian squad in his first months after arriving on loan from Schalke 04. That’s why the ‘Vecchia Signora’ exercised the option to secure him for at least four years. The first American to ever feature in this club, McKennie is alongside Pulisic another key piece in the national team’s midfield. The UEFA rule that bans players from Super League sides to feature with their countries would hit once again to the US with the absence of this talented player.

Advertisement

SergiñoDest (Barcelona)

Sergiño Dest

Dest is establishing himself as a top right-back (Getty).

The exciting right-back who joined Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona for this season has deservedly earned a spot in the Blaugrana lineup. Dest hasonly 20 years of age and already belongs to one of the most important teams in the world likeBarça. The American improved throughout the current campaign up to becoming a starter, being part of the recent success in the Copa del Rey. He is anothergreat talent that the USMNT has at European soccer’stop level. Hopefully, they will continue being able to select him, but it might depend on how the conflict between the Super League and the UEFA develops.

Advertisement

ALSO READ

Orlando Magic's rising star raves about Duke freshman Cooper Flagg’s potential
Sports

Orlando Magic's rising star raves about Duke freshman Cooper Flagg’s potential

NFL News: Andy Reid sends clear message about Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs after win over Panthers
NFL

NFL News: Andy Reid sends clear message about Patrick Mahomes and Chiefs after win over Panthers

NBA News: Steve Kerr expresses disappointment over Warriors’ loss to the Spurs
NBA

NBA News: Steve Kerr expresses disappointment over Warriors’ loss to the Spurs

Jannik Sinner emulates Roger Federer's and Serena Williams' incredible feat this season
Sports

Jannik Sinner emulates Roger Federer's and Serena Williams' incredible feat this season

Better Collective Logo