USMNT in Europe: McKennie MVP Talk and Reyna’s Next Step

The conversation around American soccer in Europe used to be about getting a foot in the door. Now it’s about silverware, individual awards, and deciding which shirt a star will wear next season. FOX Sports’ full-length U.S. in Europe prediction show captured that shift perfectly, training its spotlight on two of the USMNT’s most recognizable exports: Weston McKennie and Giovanni Reyna.

The McKennie MVP Case

Weston McKennie has never been the shy type, and neither is the suggestion that he could be a Serie A MVP candidate. The Juventus midfielder brings an infectious energy to the middle of the park, breaking up play, driving forward, and popping up with big goals. In a league where the MVP award often goes to attackers, McKennie’s path would require a truly dominant season from both him and the Bianconeri. But his presence in the Juventus engine room has made him vital to the club’s ambitions, and if they challenge for the Scudetto, the Texas native will be in the conversation. The FOX Sports panel clearly believes that playing in Italy’s tactical cauldron has sharpened McKennie into one of Europe’s most complete American midfielders.

Reyna’s Crossroads

Giovanni Reyna’s talent has never been the issue. Since bursting onto the scene as a teenager at Borussia Dortmund, the playmaker has shown the kind of vision and touch that European coaches dream of. Injury setbacks have punctuated his development, and a loan spell away from the Bundesliga was meant to reignite his club career. The conversation around Reyna now isn’t whether he can be great, but where he will be great. Dortmund’s trust in him has wavered, and with a crowded attacking lineup at the Westfalenstadion, the American faces a pivotal decision. Staying to fight for his place would be a bold statement; moving elsewhere could offer a cleaner slate. Either way, his choice will have major implications for the USMNT.

What It Means for US Soccer

These two storylines are about more than individual success. When American players are mentioned in MVP races and their transfer futures become fodder for European pundits, it signals that the USMNT’s influence abroad has never been stronger. The 2026 World Cup on home soil will demand a generation of players who are used to competing at the highest level week in and week out. McKennie and Reyna are exactly that, and their paths this season will help set the tone. The FOX Sports prediction episode was a reminder that the United States no longer simply hopes to produce top-level talent—it expects it. That shift in mindset is arguably the biggest victory of all.