Max Arfsten hits stride with Columbus Crew & USMNT

The 24-year-old left wingback has become a critical player for both his club and the US national team.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Max Arfsten, a 24-year-old left wingback, has emerged as a rising star in MLS and with the US men's national team. After struggling for minutes early in his career with the Columbus Crew, Arfsten has become a regular contributor, helping the club win the Leagues Cup title in 2024 and reach the Concacaf Champions Cup final. He has also earned 12 starts for the USMNT over the past year, earning the trust of manager Mauricio Pochettino. With a new coach in Columbus and the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Arfsten is focused on continuing his upward trajectory.

Why it matters

Arfsten's rapid rise to prominence with both the Crew and the USMNT is a feel-good story for American soccer fans, showcasing the development of homegrown talent. His ability to adapt to new systems and coaches, as well as his dedication to improving his game, make him an intriguing prospect for the USMNT ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The details

After playing just 272 minutes in his debut 2023 season with the Crew, Arfsten became a regular contributor in 2024, recording 12 goal contributions over 23 regular-season starts. He helped the Crew win the Leagues Cup title and reach the Concacaf Champions Cup final that year. In 2025, Arfsten cemented his status as a critical player for both the Crew and the USMNT, making 12 starts for the national team across the Concacaf Gold Cup and various friendlies.

  • Arfsten played just 272 minutes in his debut 2023 season with the Crew.
  • In 2024, Arfsten became a regular contributor for the Crew, helping the club win the Leagues Cup title and reach the Concacaf Champions Cup final.
  • In 2025, Arfsten made 12 starts for the USMNT across the Concacaf Gold Cup and various friendlies.

The players

Max Arfsten

A 24-year-old left wingback who has emerged as a rising star in MLS and with the US men's national team.

Wilfried Nancy

The former head coach of the Columbus Crew, who gave Arfsten his first MLS minutes and increasingly trusted him as a weapon in attack.

Mauricio Pochettino

The current manager of the US men's national team, who has earned Arfsten's trust and given him 12 starts over the past year.

Henrik Rydström

The new head coach of the Columbus Crew, who sees the game and Arfsten's role through a similar lens as the previous coach.

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What they’re saying

“I just kind of had to grow up a little bit. Like, my whole life before that, I was used to just playing and being one of the best guys on the team. At a lower level, I just was always starting and playing. And then I got to a team where I wasn't the best guy at that time – not even close. And I don't know, it was kind of like a reality check for me.”

— Max Arfsten (MLSsoccer.com)

“One thing I'm thankful for is [Rydström] still gives me – similar to Wilfried – a very green light to attack and go forward and to take my guy one-v-one and get in crosses. So that part of my game is definitely still there. I think, tactically, defensively, there are a few things that he wants done a bit differently.”

— Max Arfsten (MLSsoccer.com)

What’s next

The next few months, including this month's friendlies against Belgium and Portugal, could be critical for Arfsten as he pushes for a spot on the USMNT's 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The takeaway

Arfsten's journey from struggling for minutes early in his MLS career to becoming a key player for both the Columbus Crew and the US national team is an inspiring story of perseverance and dedication. His ability to adapt to new systems and coaches, as well as his commitment to continuous improvement, make him an exciting prospect for American soccer fans ahead of the 2026 World Cup.