Max Arfsten Aims to Secure USMNT World Cup Spot

The 24-year-old Columbus Crew midfielder is hungry for a spot on the 2026 U.S. World Cup roster.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Max Arfsten, a 24-year-old midfielder for the Columbus Crew, has been a regular fixture with the U.S. Men's National Team since earning his first call-up in 2025. Despite his recent success, Arfsten knows a spot on the 2026 World Cup roster is far from guaranteed and is focused on continuing to impress national team coach Mauricio Pochettino through his performances for the Crew.

Why it matters

Arfsten's journey to the USMNT highlights the competitive nature of earning a spot on the U.S. World Cup team, especially for younger players looking to break through. His story provides insight into the mindset and dedication required to achieve the "ultimate dream" of representing the United States on the global stage.

The details

After watching the 2014 World Cup as a teenager, Arfsten became fully committed to soccer and envisioned one day playing for the USMNT. He earned his first call-up in January 2025 and has since been a regular selection for Pochettino, appearing in 16 games and contributing one goal and five assists. However, Arfsten faced some early struggles, lacking confidence during a Concacaf Nations League camp in March 2025 where the U.S. lost both of its matches. Determined to earn his place, Arfsten refocused and had a strong stretch for the Crew, earning a spot in the extended Gold Cup camp where he proved he belonged in a U.S. jersey.

  • In January 2025, Arfsten received his first call-up to the USMNT.
  • In March 2025, Arfsten struggled during a Concacaf Nations League camp.
  • In the lead-up to the June 2025 camp, Arfsten had a strong stretch for the Crew.
  • At the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, Arfsten solidified his place in the USMNT player pool.

The players

Max Arfsten

A 24-year-old midfielder for the Columbus Crew who has become a regular fixture with the U.S. Men's National Team since earning his first call-up in 2025.

Mauricio Pochettino

The head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team who has selected Arfsten for all six of the USMNT's 2025 camps.

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What they’re saying

“It's been pretty crazy. I feel like I was learning a lot, just kind of along the way, through experiencing it for the first time. But I'm super thankful for it, and it just makes me even hungrier to keep striving for these call-ups.”

— Max Arfsten, Midfielder, Columbus Crew (The Dispatch)

“His character, his personality, the characteristics, how he's like as a player – I see a combo that we really love. He's a very intelligent, very smart guy. From day one, I think the chemistry was very good between him and us. I think his potential is massive.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach, U.S. Men's National Team (The Dispatch)

What’s next

Arfsten will need to quickly adapt to the new system implemented by Columbus Crew's new head coach Henrik Rydstrom in order to maintain his strong form and continue impressing the USMNT coaching staff ahead of World Cup roster decisions.

The takeaway

Arfsten's journey to the USMNT demonstrates the hard work, dedication, and resilience required to earn a spot on the U.S. World Cup roster, even for talented young players. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring national team players to stay focused on the present and not take anything for granted as they chase their ultimate dream.