USMNT Players Prepare for World Cup with Offseason Training

omidbasir- On a chilly winter day in Fresno, California, a group of friends gathers at a local park to play soccer. This has become an annual tradition for a close-knit group of 10 to 12 players, mainly from the United Soccer League (USL), who train together during the offseason to maintain their fitness ahead of the new year. With a spirit of friendly competition, these sessions serve as an essential boost for players aiming to achieve their goals for the upcoming 2026 season.

As they kick and chase the ball across the park’s modest green, many are seeking new contracts in lower leagues, while others simply aim to stay fit. For one prominent player, the stakes are even higher.

“Everyone’s basically grinding for something,” remarked Max Arfsten of the U.S. Men’s National Team in an interview with ESPN. “For me, it’s trying to make the World Cup.”

With the tournament just months away, Arfsten has begun his preparations in his hometown. The Columbus Crew fullback found himself stopping for photos with local kids during practice, illustrating his community engagement. With the MLS season having concluded in early November and set to resume on February 21, the 24-year-old draws motivation from a familiar source: the desire not to lose to his friends.

“Every time you play against the guys from your hometown, you innately want to prove your worth,” Arfsten explained. “You want to be the top dog in the city that you’re from.”

This competitive drive is particularly significant during the offseason, especially for those players who did not qualify for the playoffs, as they face a four-month stretch without official MLS matches. With preseason camps now in full swing, players are keenly aware of the challenges ahead. Notably, the league is set to transition to a globally aligned summer-to-spring calendar in 2027, which will shorten the winter break.

The timing of this offseason is critical, as just weeks after the 2026 MLS season begins, the USMNT will have one last opportunity for international matches before head coach Mauricio Pochettino finalizes his World Cup roster. Meanwhile, U.S. stars playing in European leagues will be in the midst of their campaigns, potentially giving them an edge in match fitness over their domestically-based counterparts.

Arfsten is not alone in his rigorous offseason efforts. In St. Louis, Missouri, his Columbus teammate, goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, has assembled a group of friends from his youth and college days who are also dedicated to staying sharp.

“There’s four or five of my buddies who live here in the offseason, and we get a good group together,” Schulte said, reflecting on the camaraderie and friendly rivalry that fuels their training.

“I don’t want to get scored on by my friends because I won’t hear the end of it,” he joked, highlighting the competitive nature of their sessions. Schulte and his group regularly practice at St. Louis Scott Gallagher SC, where he honed his skills as a younger player, and also utilize local parks for training. Their gatherings can sometimes attract as many as 30 players, including non-professional academy prospects eager to test their skills against a potential World Cup candidate.

In Florida, fellow national team member Alex Freeman has spent part of his offseason at SAT Soccer in Fort Lauderdale, a program known for tailoring training regimens for elite players. Notable athletes such as Josef Martínez and others have also utilized this facility in preparation for 2026.

“Many players reach out to me about training opportunities, and we often form groups to catch up and improve together,” Freeman shared.

Individual skill development remains a significant focus as well. Freeman, who is set to leave Orlando City SC for Villarreal in LaLiga, emphasized the importance of fitness. Arfsten is working on refining specific aspects of his game, including defending and crossing, while Schulte has increased his training with a long-time goalkeeper coach.

Houston Dynamo midfielder Jack McGlynn, who recently underwent foot surgery, has taken a more introspective approach to his recovery, focusing on mental conditioning and analyzing game footage to identify areas for improvement.

“When you’re injured, you have time to reflect on your season and recognize where you can do better,” McGlynn explained in late 2025. He is now back to full fitness and recently scored in a preseason match, demonstrating his readiness to prove himself before roster selections.

With the March international window likely serving as the final opportunity for players to impress before the World Cup, the reality for these MLS-based national team hopefuls is that they must hit the ground running when the league starts in mid-February.

While this could present challenges, being in midseason form could also benefit those who make the World Cup roster. Freeman expressed a thoughtful perspective, noting the advantages and disadvantages of their training schedule.

“You might want to be playing more leading up to January or February, but this time allows you to perfect your skills,” he said.

Schulte added, “We might be fresher and not as fatigued, but when the adrenaline kicks in, it might balance itself out.”

Cristian Roldan, a seasoned midfielder for the Seattle Sounders, acknowledged the potential impact of MLS players. “European players will likely be wrapping up their season, which could be a disadvantage for them,” he said, while emphasizing the importance of a united team effort for success.

If you ask Arfsten, the situation is nuanced and varies by player. Ultimately, he believes that the freshness gained from their training could offer an edge to USMNT players.

“It depends on the individual, but in terms of mental readiness, there’s likely to be more freshness among us,” he concluded.

Perhaps the player who elevates the USMNT on the world stage this summer is someone who was playing in a local park just last month.