USA World Cup Spotlight: Key Players Return From Injury

Tyler Adams, Ricardo Pepi, and Christian Pulisic make comebacks ahead of crucial World Cup preparations

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Several key players for the U.S. men's national team have returned to action for their club teams after various injury layoffs, providing a boost ahead of the upcoming World Cup. Midfielder Tyler Adams, striker Ricardo Pepi, and winger Christian Pulisic have all made successful returns from knee, arm, and bursitis issues respectively, giving U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino optimism as he prepares the squad for crucial March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal.

Why it matters

The return of Adams, Pepi, and Pulisic is crucial for the USMNT as they look to build momentum and solidify their roster ahead of the World Cup. These three players are expected to play pivotal roles for the U.S. in Qatar, so their health and form will be vital to the team's chances of success.

The details

Tyler Adams started for Bournemouth in a 0-0 draw against West Ham after missing two months with a sprained MCL. Ricardo Pepi came off the bench for PSV Eindhoven and scored a goal in their 3-1 win, marking his return from a broken arm. Christian Pulisic also returned to AC Milan's starting lineup, though he was unable to find the net in their 1-0 loss to Parma.

  • On February 18, Tyler Adams made his return to the Bournemouth lineup.
  • On February 19, Ricardo Pepi subbed on for PSV Eindhoven and scored a goal in their 3-1 victory.
  • On February 19, Christian Pulisic started for AC Milan in their 1-0 loss to Parma.

The players

Tyler Adams

A midfielder who captained the U.S. national team at the 2022 World Cup.

Ricardo Pepi

A striker for PSV Eindhoven who is vying for a spot on the U.S. World Cup roster.

Christian Pulisic

A winger for AC Milan and a key player for the U.S. national team.

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What they’re saying

“Amazing feeling to be back! Thank you to all the PSV'ers for the warm support on my return. Let's finish strong!”

— Ricardo Pepi (Instagram)

“I have to tell you very honestly that I didn't know what to expect from him. He shot two goals, one of which was disallowed. That goal he did score was a typical Pepi goal. If he gets the ball there in that spot you can count on a goal.”

— Peter Bosz, PSV Manager (PSV Website)

What’s next

The U.S. national team will hold a crucial March training camp featuring matches against Belgium and Portugal, where Mauricio Pochettino will have the opportunity to evaluate his full player pool ahead of finalizing the World Cup roster.

The takeaway

The returns of Tyler Adams, Ricardo Pepi, and Christian Pulisic provide a major boost for the USMNT as they prepare for the World Cup. With these key players regaining fitness, Pochettino now has more options to build a well-rounded squad capable of making a deep run in Qatar.