Yunus Musah Clings to 2026 World Cup Dream Amid Club Struggles and National Team Uncertainty

In the 11 months since his last appearance for the U.S. men's national team, Yunus Musah has faced uncertainty at both club and international levels. Yet, the 23-year-old midfielder, currently on loan at Atalanta from AC Milan, holds firm to his dream of participating in the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

"I believe it’s possible," Musah told The Athletic last week. "There’s still time. I really want to go, and I believe I’ve got a chance."

Musah's motivation stems from his standout performance at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he started all four games for the U.S., anchoring the 'MMA' midfield alongside Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams. He even helped keep Jude Bellingham in check during a 0-0 draw with England. "That was the best time," he reflected. "A lot can change in four years, but we still have time to push again."

However, Musah's path back to the national team under coach Mauricio Pochettino has been rocky. He has not been selected since declining an invitation to the Concacaf Gold Cup last summer, a decision that sparked debate and seemingly strained his relationship with the manager. In October, Pochettino dismissed questions about Musah's absence, stating, "There’s not too many players around the world that they [don’t] depend on the level, it doesn’t depend if they’re good or not. Maybe you can ask me why Messi is not in the roster. No, this type of player — Maradona, Pelé, I don’t know — but when you are talking about different names, I think you need to respect the players that are here."

Musah defended his choice to skip the Gold Cup, prioritizing recovery after a demanding season at Milan. "After the season at Milan, I needed a break. I wouldn’t have been able to give my best physically or mentally," he explained. Like teammate Christian Pulisic, Musah needed time to reset, spend with family—including his daughter—and return sharper for preseason. "For me, it was the right decision," he insisted, highlighting broader issues in modern soccer where players face exhaustion from constant demands.

"Players are forced to play when they’re exhausted. Injections, pressure, constant demands — it takes a toll," Musah said. He noted that many players privately admire such decisions to prioritize well-being.

At club level, Musah is enduring what he calls "the most challenging season of his career." In Serie A this 2025-26 campaign, only two of his 13 appearances have been starts. His Champions League minutes have been sparse, with Atalanta facing elimination after a 2-0 deficit to Borussia Dortmund. To combat limited opportunities, Musah maximizes every moment: "I literally look at the clock. If I’ve got 10 minutes, then I tell myself: go for it. Get into the box. Make the run. Make the pass. Those moments stick with people."

Dialogue with the U.S. setup has emphasized the need for more minutes. "They’ve told me to keep working. Keep training hard," Musah shared. "At the end of the day, they pick the team. What I can control is what I do in matches." A recall for March friendlies against Belgium and Portugal could mark his return since last March.

Musah's background adds depth to his story. Born in New York, he moved to Italy as a child before his family relocated to England at age 9. There, he captained an England U-15 team featuring stars like Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers. "Those were amazing times," he recalled. "I’m proud to have been part of that group." While open to a Premier League return—drawing interest from Nottingham Forest last summer—Musah's focus remains on the World Cup.

Anchored by his faith, Musah trusts in divine timing. "I want everything to happen now, but I trust that things will happen at the right time. God has the best plan," he said. Of playing in a U.S.-hosted World Cup, he added, "It’s not every day you host a World Cup. We’d be the faces of it. So many people supporting us. It would be something really special."

To Pochettino, Musah's message is clear: "He knows what I’m capable of — as a player and as a person. These last few months could be so important. I believe I can still make it. I won’t give up." With little over 100 days until the tournament begins, Musah's determination shines through.