As the U.S. men's national soccer team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several players who were once seen as future stars now find their positions in jeopardy. Josh Sargent, who started two matches in the previous World Cup at just 22, has struggled with a goal drought and fierce competition from fellow strikers like Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi. After moving to Toronto FC in Major League Soccer, Sargent's performance has not improved significantly, ranking low in key metrics among American forwards. Yunus Musah, once a standout at the last World Cup, has seen his playing time dwindle at Atalanta, raising concerns about his readiness for the upcoming tournament. Meanwhile, Joe Scally has shown versatility with Borussia Mönchengladbach, but his lack of attacking contributions compared to other fullbacks could hinder his chances. Lastly, goalkeeper Zack Steffen, despite expectations of peak performance at age 31, is struggling with form and injuries, making his inclusion unlikely. The upcoming roster reveal will be crucial for these players as they seek to secure their spots in the national team.