The USA’s U-23 talent was on full display at the Paris 2024 Olympics, and a few players certainly did enough to earn call-ups to the senior squad.
For the first time since 2008, the United States qualified for the Olympics in men’s soccer. Despite getting off to a rough start against France, the Stars and Stripes bounced back and won their next two group stage matches against New Zealand and Guinea, earning a spot in the knockout rounds.
Although the USMNT ultimately fell short to Morocco in the quarter-finals, they still managed to secure the country’s second-best placing ever at an Olympics. There might have been three average players on Marko Mitrovic’s squad, but it was the young talent that thrived on the world’s stage, so much so that they could earn call-ups to the senior squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Here’s three players who can look forward to international caps for the United States in the future.
3. John Tolkin
John Tolkin was a standout player on the USA’s backline at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The left-back played just about every minute of the Stars and Stripes’ four matches, and was instrumental in the team’s defensive efforts. In fact, he was dispossessed zero times at the tournament and had 17 recoveries, all without ever receiving a yellow card.
Although the 22-year-old would not start over Antonee Robinson, he proved he is a more than capable backup to the Fulham defender. Tolkin could also learn a lot on the offensive side of the ball from Robinson.
2. Tanner Tessmann
The senior USMNT is begging for some fresh players in the midfield. Weston McKennie had a disappointing Copa America 2024 campaign, Tyler Adams is extremely injury-prone, and Johnny Cardoso has failed to impress. Tanner Tessmann’s leadership, accurate passing, and dribbling ability makes him the perfect candidate for a senior call-up.
Tessmann is also a reliable defensive presence in the midfield, especially in the air. He sometimes struggles with the ball at his feet under pressure, though, and could gain a lot by training and learning from Tyler Adams.
1. Kevin Paredes
Kevin Paredes was arguably the best player for the USMNT at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The Wolfsburg man always found himself at the heart of the Stars and Stripes’ attack, and left France with two goals and one assist.
Even in the USA’s two defeats, the 21-year-old was one of the only bright spots. He created chance after chance, and displayed a confidence and creativity the senior squad could use, especially after scoring just four goals at Copa America 2024.
