USMNT Players Train in Offseason for 2026 World Cup Aspirations

On a winter day in Fresno, California, a group of soccer enthusiasts, primarily players from the United Soccer League (USL), gathered at a local park for their offseason training. This annual tradition sees about 10 to 12 participants engaging in friendly competition, maintaining their fitness while setting their sights on personal and team goals for the upcoming year, particularly the pivotal 2026 World Cup.

Among them was Max Arfsten, a member of the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) and fullback for the Columbus Crew. Speaking to ESPN, Arfsten expressed the drive that fuels these sessions: “Everyone’s basically grinding for something… For me, it’s trying to make the World Cup.” As he prepares for the tournament, Arfsten’s offseason routine has included training in his hometown, where he often interacts with local fans, including children who approach him for photos after practice.

With the Major League Soccer (MLS) season concluding in early November and not resuming until February 21, 2026, players like Arfsten face a substantial break from competitive matches. For those who did not qualify for the playoffs, this offseason can extend up to four months. Although the league is set to adopt a summer-to-spring calendar in 2027, which would shorten winter downtime, current players must navigate this gap as they prepare for both their league and national team commitments.

As the MLS season kicks off, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino will have one last opportunity to evaluate players during an international window before finalizing the World Cup roster. While MLS players are working to stay fit, their European counterparts will be deep into their club seasons, potentially giving them an edge in match fitness.

In St. Louis, Patrick Schulte, another Columbus teammate, has also been keeping sharp with a group of friends. “There’s four or five of my buddies that I grew up playing with or went to college with… we get a good group together,” Schulte noted. The goalkeeper thrives in this environment, combining friendly rivalry with serious training. His sessions at St. Louis Scott Gallagher SC sometimes attract up to 30 players, including academy prospects eager to test their skills against professionals.

Meanwhile, fellow national team member Alex Freeman has been training at SAT Soccer in Fort Lauderdale, a specialized program that attracts numerous MLS players. Freeman remarked on the community aspect of these training sessions, stating, “A lot of guys who come in and text me about trainings… we’re able to catch up and improve on whatever we need to do.”

Individual training is also crucial for these athletes. Freeman, who will be joining Villarreal in LaLiga, has focused on fitness during this critical time. Arfsten has been honing specific skills related to his wingback position, including defending and crossing techniques, while Schulte has increased his offseason training with his childhood goalie coach.

For Jack McGlynn, a midfielder for Houston Dynamo, the offseason took a different turn after undergoing foot surgery in October. He emphasized the importance of mental preparation during recovery, saying, “I have a lot of time on my own to think and reflect on my season.” McGlynn is now back to full fitness and eager to demonstrate his improvements on the field.

As the March international window approaches, it will serve as a crucial audition for MLS players hoping to secure a spot on the World Cup roster. While some may worry that a lack of competitive matches could hinder their performance, others see it as an opportunity. Freeman commented, “It just gives you time to perfect what you need to do,” while Schulte acknowledged that being well-rested could prove advantageous.

Cristian Roldan, a veteran midfielder for the Seattle Sounders, expressed confidence in the potential of MLS players. “European players will be pretty much done with all their games… so that is a very difficult place for them to be in,” he noted. Roldan believes that MLS players, entering the tournament fresh, could leverage their unique preparation to their advantage.

As these players continue their rigorous training routines, they remain focused on their individual paths to the World Cup. For Arfsten and his peers, the work done in local parks and training facilities across the United States could play a significant role in their readiness for the global stage. As they strive to secure their places on the roster, it is evident that the commitment to improvement during the offseason is more than just practice; it is a vital step toward their dreams.