As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, players from Major League Soccer (MLS) are utilizing the offseason to prepare vigorously for the upcoming tournament. In Fresno, California, a group of 10 to 12 soccer enthusiasts, primarily from the United Soccer League (USL), have made training together a winter tradition. Their training sessions not only serve to maintain fitness but also foster a sense of friendly competition among players aiming for new contracts or roster spots on the national team.
U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) player Max Arfsten expressed the importance of these gatherings, stating, “Everyone’s basically grinding for something. For me, it’s trying to make the World Cup.” The Columbus Crew fullback began his preparations in his hometown, driven by the desire to prove himself among peers. With the MLS season concluding in early November and resuming on February 21, 2024, Arfsten is motivated by the competitive spirit that comes from playing with familiar faces.
While the offseason break is essential for recovery, it poses challenges for players striving to maintain peak performance levels. Many players, such as those who did not qualify for the playoffs, face up to four months without official MLS matches. This gap is especially significant as the USMNT will have one last international window shortly after the MLS season begins, just before the final roster selections for the World Cup.
Players in Europe, on the other hand, will be deeply entrenched in their club campaigns, potentially giving them an advantage in match fitness. Patrick Schulte, Arfsten’s teammate, has organized his own training group in St. Louis, Missouri, where they engage in competitive practices. Schulte remarked, “There’s four or five of my buddies that I grew up playing with. I don’t want to get scored on by my friends because I won’t hear the end of it.” This lighthearted rivalry adds an extra layer of motivation for players looking to improve their skills.
Similarly, in Florida, Alex Freeman has utilized the offseason to train with elite players at SAT Soccer in Fort Lauderdale. He noted the importance of collaboration, stating, “A lot of guys who come in and text me about trainings, and we’re able to get a little group and be able to just catch up and train together.”
Individual skill enhancement is also a focal point during this period. Freeman, who is transitioning from Orlando City SC to Villarreal in La Liga, emphasized the importance of physical fitness. Meanwhile, Arfsten is honing specific technical skills, such as defending and crossing. Schulte is making the most of his offseason by working intensively with a goalkeeping coach he has known since childhood.
For players recovering from injuries, the offseason offers a chance for reflection and mental preparation. Jack McGlynn, who underwent foot surgery in October, focused on analyzing his previous performances. “A lot of mental work…I know where I can improve,” he stated, emphasizing his eagerness to return to competitive play. Recently, he showcased his readiness by scoring in a preseason match.
With the March international window likely to be the final opportunity for players to impress head coach Mauricio Pochettino before World Cup selections, the urgency for MLS players to hit the ground running is palpable. The potential advantage of being in midseason form versus coming off a demanding European campaign raises questions among the players. Freeman acknowledged the complexities, noting, “It just gives you time to perfect what you need to do.”
Veteran midfielder Cristian Roldan highlighted that while European players may be fatigued by their club commitments, MLS players could capitalize on their freshness. “You’re going to have to rely on your entire squad, and there is an advantage for us [in MLS] to be able to come in fresh,” he explained.
As players like Arfsten train in local parks, the stakes for the USMNT are high. The combination of rigorous offseason preparation and the drive to secure a spot on the World Cup roster ensures that these athletes are more than just familiar faces on the field; they are dedicated competitors eager to make their mark on the global stage.
