The UEFA Champions League draw is complete, and it could directly impact several key stars in the U.S. men’s national team fold.
From Milan’s Christian Pulisic and Yunus Musah to PSV’s American quartet, there’s no shortage of storylines. But first, let’s dive into the Americans who are playing in arguably the best competition in professional soccer.
AMERICANS IN UCL
SERIE A
AC Milan: Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah
Juventus: Tim Weah, Weston McKennie
BUNDESLIGA
Dortmund: Gio Reyna, Cole Campbell
LIGUE 1
Monaco: Folarin Balogun
SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP
Celtic: Cameron Carter-Vickers
EREDIVISIE
PSV: Sergino Dest, Richard Ledezma, Ricardo Pepi, Malik Tillman
There could be a record 12 USMNT players or hopefuls who could feature in Europe’s top continental competition. That number could increase if more American players are on the move tied to Friday’s transfer deadline.
The previous record was set in 2021, when 10 Americans featured in the Champions League. All of this should bode well for reported incoming U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino, who will want his players to be tested against the top teams in the world.
Out of the active Americans, U.S. top star Pulisic has the most career UCL matches — making 54 appearances. Balogun could make his first Champions League appearance this season, but based on league form, it might be not assured.
The most exciting drawn matchup for U.S. fans has to Juventus vs PSV Eindhoven. There could be as many as five Americans on the pitch when the two sides meet (schedule TBD).
Juventus have never faced PSV in the Champions League before, and the Eredivisie champions will be the fourth Dutch opponent the club has faced in the competition.
On paper, the Serie A giants should be considered the favorite but PSV are seemingly on a mission since stunning Ajax and Feyenoord last season on route to their first title in five years. They opened up their current league campaign on a smattering run, scoring 15 goals in three matches and only conceding three. The next highest-scoring team in the Dutch league are Feyenoord with seven.
Could PSV come through with the upset? This will be a must-watch contest.
+ Pulisic and Musah going up against Real Madrid (schedule TBD) will be a good test for the two Americans at the renovated Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. If Milan pull the upset, it could send shockwaves across the world considering their opposition.
+ Another PSV matchup to watch will be against Arne Slot’s Liverpool. Slot has already made an impression in the Premier League, with the Reds winning their first two matches prior to making signings. Slot rose to managerial prominence after a successful stint with Feyenoord — having won the league in 2023 and the KNVB Cup in 2024.
+ A smaller-scale USMNT matchup could be between Celtic and Dortmund at the Westfalenstadion. Gio Reyna’s role is yet to be determined but he looks increasingly likely to stay at the Bundesliga side while Carter-Vickers is a defensive stalwart for the Scottish giants. If Carter-Vickers remains with Celtic and Reyna gets consistent playing time, this is one to keep an eye on.
