As the countdown to the USMNT World Cup 2026 roster finalization ticks below the 130-day mark, a new name has surged from the periphery to the pole position. Alex Freeman, the 21-year-old son of Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman, is no longer just a prospect—he is the undisputed breakout star of the winter. Following a stunning $7 million transfer to Alex Freeman Villarreal soccer news has dominated headlines, especially after his electrifying La Liga debut earlier this week against Espanyol.

From NFL Heritage to La Liga Stardom

It is rare for an American prospect to bypass the "adjustment period" in a top-five European league, but Freeman is defying conventional wisdom. Fresh off a standout season with Orlando City, where he was named MLS Young Player of the Year, Freeman’s move to Villarreal was initially viewed as a risky gambit so close to the World Cup. Instead, it has become his launching pad. In his debut on February 9, coming off the bench in a 4-1 rout of Espanyol, Freeman displayed the explosive pace and technical precision that has Mauricio Pochettino USA coach observers buzzing.

Freeman’s athletic pedigree is undeniable. As the son of former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman, he inherited elite burst and agility. However, his tactical maturation under Pochettino’s guidance has been the real story. "He’s not just an athlete playing soccer; he’s a footballer with elite athleticism," Pochettino noted in a recent press conference, hinting that Freeman has moved past the "bubble" and into "lock" territory for the 23-man squad.

The Right-Back Battle: Freeman vs. Dest

Freeman's rise creates a fascinating dilemma for Pochettino, particularly concerning the right-back position. For years, this spot belonged to Sergiño Dest. However, the latest Sergino Dest injury update suggests a complex path forward. While Dest has returned to fitness with PSV Eindhoven following his ACL recovery, he is still working to regain the explosive form that made him a starter in 2022. Freeman, conversely, is in the form of his life.

Pochettino now faces a choice between the proven veteran experience of Dest and the undeniable current momentum of Freeman. Insiders suggest a tactical shift could see both on the field, with Freeman potentially pushing higher up the wing or Dest inverting. This depth is a luxury the USMNT has rarely enjoyed, and it positions the U.S. defense as one of the most dynamic units heading into the tournament.

Other USMNT Breakout Stars 2026

While Freeman grabs the headlines, he isn't the only youngster making a late case. The list of USMNT breakout stars 2026 includes Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna, whose creativity has forced him into the conversation, and Obed Vargas, who continues to shine in midfield. Yet, none have had the meteoric rise of Freeman, whose brace against Uruguay in November’s friendly effectively announced his arrival on the world stage.

Crucial Tests Ahead: March Friendlies in Atlanta

The final auditions for Freeman and his cohorts will take place next month during the critical March international window. The U.S. is set to face European heavyweights Belgium and Portugal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The demand for USA vs Belgium 2026 tickets has already reached fever pitch, with fans eager to see the squad that will likely represent them on home soil. These matches will be the litmus test for Freeman; performing against La Liga bottom-feeders is one thing, but shutting down the likes of Jérémy Doku or Kevin De Bruyne is another.

Atlanta, one of the premier FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities, will provide the perfect backdrop for these high-stakes friendlies. Pochettino is expected to field his strongest possible XI, giving fans a preview of the opening day lineup against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.

The Final Countdown

With the World Cup opener on June 12 just around the corner, the window for experimentation is closing. Alex Freeman has seized his moment with both hands, transforming from a legacy athlete into a legitimate world-class talent. As the USMNT prepares to host the world, the question is no longer if Freeman will make the roster, but rather how high his ceiling can go. If his start at Villarreal is any indication, the American X-Factor has officially arrived.