Ricardo Pepi
A young Texas-born striker with Mexican heritage, Pepi made waves when he chose to represent the United States over Mexico — a decision that immediately made him one of the most talked-about players in American soccer. What makes him fun to watch is his raw, physical style of play: he's a big, strong forward who isn't afraid to muscle past defenders and finish chances with either foot. With the 2026 World Cup happening on home soil, the pressure and excitement around him will be enormous, since American fans will be desperate for a homegrown star to rally behind. Keep an eye on him in and around the penalty box — when the ball finds him in tight spaces near goal, something exciting usually happens.