2026 World Cup USA team member predictions
There are only a few months left until the start of the 2026 World Cup. USA TODAY Sports’ Seth Vertelney shares his USMNT roster predictions.
Matthijs Albert became the youngest American to debut in Germany’s Bundesliga, one of Europe’s top leagues, playing in Borussia Dortmund’s 4-0 win over Freiburg on Sunday, April 26th.
Albert was born on May 21, 2009, making him 16 years, 11 months and 12 days old, making him younger than then-record holder Gio Reyna, who made his debut for Borussia Dortmund in 2020 at 17 years, 2 months and 5 days. Reyna’s debut broke Christian Pulisic’s record.
Albert was born in South Carolina, but moved to Southern California and attracted the attention of European scouts as a player for the LA Galaxy Academy.
He represented the United States at the 2025 U-17 World Cup, scoring one goal as the United States advanced through the group stage undefeated and converting a penalty kick in the Round of 32 loss to Morocco in a penalty shootout.
Professional appearance records are announced after a number of impressive performances at youth level and in the UEFA Youth League.
“I started performing right away, but it felt very difficult,” Albert told Goal last year. “It was fun to go to training and games, but then you’re like, ‘Oh, (expletive), I’m thousands of miles from home.’ I still feel that way sometimes. It’s hard being away from L.A. It was a struggle at first, but then my family came to visit and everything started to fall into place.”
Alberto will make his debut before Reina and Pulisic, but some may point to Bundesliga rules that previously prevented players from registering before their 17-year-old season. This rule was amended in 2020 to allow 16-year-old players, including Dortmund’s then-prospective prospect Youssoufa Moukoko, to participate.
With the win, Dortmund have confirmed their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League, and Alberto will be hoping to earn playing time in the remaining three games of the Bundesliga season.
The biggest news every morning. Subscribe to USA TODAY Sports’ newsletter to stay up to date on major sports trends.
