Gold Cup 2025: Which MLS Stars Are Poised to Shine for the USMNT?
As the countdown to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup begins, the United States Men’s National Team is turning to Major League Soccer for talent, and 15 domestic-based players will get the opportunity to make their mark ahead of the nation co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino, this tournament represents more than just a continental trophy. It’s a key audition window, a proving ground for fringe players, and a dress rehearsal for the global spotlight in 2026.
At Bal Leagues, we take a closer look at the MLS talents who could make impact at this summer’s Gold Cup and possibly solidify their place in the U.S. squad long-term.
Diego Luna: Real Salt Lake’s Creative Engine
If there’s one player who seems to have captured Pochettino’s imagination already, it’s Real Salt Lake’s Diego Luna.
The 21-year-old midfielder has emerged as a standout this season, racking up 8 goals and 4 assists. His performances have made him a fan favorite in Salt Lake and a name that resonates within the U.S. locker room. Pochettino himself has reportedly praised Luna’s toughness and technical skill, particularly referencing his January camp showing, where he stood out despite nursing a broken nose.
Former U.S. international Dax McCarty recently described Luna as a “throwback street baller,” a type of player that the American team has lacked in recent years. With Luna’s creativity and tenacity, this summer could be his chance to step up not just as a playmaker, but potentially as a leadership figure within the team.
His development since winning the 2024 MLS Young Player of the Year award has been steady and impressive. Now he’ll have to bring that same spark to the international stage.
Brian White: The No. 9 Solution?
In the search for a reliable striker, Vancouver Whitecaps’ Brian White might just be the answer the USMNT has been waiting for.
The New Jersey native is in the form of his life, netting 15 goals in 22 matches across all competitions. More importantly, he’s helped lead Vancouver to the Concacaf Champions Cup final and the top of the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings.
Bradley Wright-Phillips, a former MLS goal machine himself, believes White has what it takes to seize the U.S. No. 9 role — a position that has been unsettled for years. “Somebody has to take that spot,” Wright-Phillips said. “If he goes to the Gold Cup and delivers, he could be the guy.”
And it’s not just about national team prestige. A strong Gold Cup performance could also elevate White’s status within MLS. Currently seen as a solid contributor, Wright-Phillips suggests that White might even warrant Designated Player (DP) status if he makes a significant splash internationally.
White has shown he can lead the line. Now it’s about proving he can do it in red, white, and blue.
Patrick Agyemang: The Super Sub
Charlotte FC’s Patrick Agyemang might not be the headline name in the squad, but his ability to change games off the bench makes him an intriguing wildcard for the U.S.
Despite a sluggish start to the 2025 MLS campaign, the 23-year-old striker has found form recently, recording four goals and an assist in his last four outings. That late-season surge couldn’t have come at a better time, with national team camp just around the corner.
MLS analyst and former U.S. international Calen Carr believes Agyemang could be the ideal impact player in tight Gold Cup matches. “He’s the kind of guy who can come on and shift momentum,” Carr said. “If you’re starting a game, maybe you go with White. But if you need a goal late? Agyemang is a great option.”
The question now is whether he can take that super-sub label and expand it into something more permanent.
What This Means for the USMNT
The Gold Cup has historically been a platform for emerging American talent. From Clint Dempsey to Matt Turner, many USMNT regulars earned their stripes in this tournament.
With the team’s core already taking shape ahead of 2026, the 2025 edition will likely help finalize depth options and potentially shift the hierarchy in a few key positions — striker being one of them.
This year, Pochettino appears to be leaning into MLS talent. That’s a departure from previous cycles where European-based players dominated rosters. Whether it’s part of a broader strategy or simply a reflection of form, it opens the door for Luna, White, Agyemang, and others to take their shot.
Final Thoughts
As the Gold Cup kicks off this June, the spotlight won’t just be on Pulisic or McKennie. Instead, the real story might come from the players earning their shot right now — those who’ve built their name on American soil and are now ready to take the next step on the continental stage.
At BalLeagues.com, we’ll be covering every angle of the tournament, from tactical breakdowns to fan reactions, and of course, how Canada’s squad is shaping up as well.
Stay tuned as we bring you match reports, player ratings, and exclusive analysis throughout the tournament.
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