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The U.S. Men’s National Team’s group stage campaign at the World Cup had a bit of everything – two dominant victories, one disappointing defeat, and even a nationwide debate over the meaning of “Country Roads.” Statistically, it was the strongest group stage in the team’s history, but by Friday morning, attention had already shifted to what lies ahead.

That’s the nature of tournaments like this. The USMNT did its job, topping the group and moving into the Round of 32. Now comes Bosnia and Herzegovina, a test that will truly define this run. The last few weeks set the stage – now the real story begins.

So, which players have enhanced their importance in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, and who might have missed their chance? Here’s a look at whose stock is climbing and whose has taken a hit.

Stock up: Malik Tillman

After the opening two matches of the World Cup, Gradient Sports published ratings for every player in the tournament, and Tillman earned the highest grade of all. While that metric may not be perfect, it reflects just how exceptional his performances have been.

Against Paraguay, Tillman created the joint-most chances, took the joint-most shots, registered an assist, and was fouled four times. In the match versus Australia, he added three tackles, three interceptions, and two more chances created. The American midfielder has been outstanding in a deeper role than expected, contributing effectively both defensively and offensively.

That’s why Tillman now looks more crucial than ever as a No. 8, even though he has often been seen as a No. 10 throughout his career.

Stock down: Mark McKenzie and Miles Robinson

These two defenders are in a similar position. With Tim Ream and Chris Richards firmly established as the starting centre-back partnership, McKenzie and Robinson were given a chance against Turkiye – a tough test, as it turned out. Turkiye’s attack exposed the pair early, slicing through the U.S. backline twice in the first half. McKenzie was caught out of position for the first goal, while Robinson reacted too slowly on the second. Those moments mattered. Both had an opportunity to challenge the starters but failed to make a convincing case. If anything, the match reinforced why Ream and Richards remain the preferred duo heading into the knockouts.

Meanwhile, Auston Trusty strengthened his claim as the first defensive substitute with his goal on Thursday. He also put in a solid shift as a stand-in left-back, after performing the same role against Australia. If Trusty is next in line behind Ream and Richards, then McKenzie and Robinson may struggle for playing time during the knockout rounds.

Stock up: Folarin Balogun

Heading into the summer, Balogun looked like the top striker in the USMNT pool. Based on his first two World Cup outings, he’s now pushing toward being considered among the best young forwards in the world.

That’s a bold claim, but his performances justify the hype. Against Paraguay, he scored twice in a commanding win, and against Australia, he forced an early own goal. Across those two matches, he showed every attribute of a modern forward – pace, movement, finishing, and intelligence – all of which have greatly benefitted the U.S. attack.

Balogun still has room to grow, which is encouraging for the United States as they head into the knockout stages with a striker in top form leading the line.

Stock down: Ricardo Pepi

This decline is as much about Balogun’s rise as it is about Pepi himself. The striker debate now feels largely settled.

For years, Pepi has kept himself in contention through consistent performances in the Eredivisie and important goals for the national team. However, this summer, Balogun has clearly pulled ahead. The Monaco forward has been sharper, more dynamic, and more influential, cementing his place as the No. 9 entering the knockout rounds.

Pepi has still shown flashes – he was excellent against Senegal and worked tirelessly versus Australia – but his quiet outing against Turkiye hurt his case. While the team struggled to find him at times, Pepi also failed to impose himself on the game.

That doesn’t make him a poor option – just the secondary one. At the moment, Balogun is simply doing more, offering more, and giving Pochettino little reason to revisit the debate.

Stock up: Sebastian Berhalter

He’s not about to overtake Malik Tillman, Weston McKennie, or Tyler Adams, but when the U.S. need energy off the bench in midfield, Sebastian Berhalter has proved his reliability.

He played a crucial substitute role in the first two matches and then, when handed a starting spot in the third, delivered his best performance yet. Against Turkiye, Berhalter assisted the opening goal with a pinpoint corner before adding a stunning second-half strike from distance. Though he flirted with danger after picking up an early yellow card, he managed the situation well and remains available for the knockouts.

Whether chasing a goal or protecting a lead, Berhalter offers valuable versatility – providing set-piece quality and relentless pressing. With limited depth in central midfield, his emergence is an important boost for the USMNT heading into the business end of the tournament.