Way too Early Predictions as to Who Could Impact The 2030 World Cup Squad

The 2030 World Cup is nearly exactly six years away. We have selected ten players born from 2006-2009 who could realistically make an impact on the USMNT squad wether they be on the team headed to Spain/Portugal/Morocco, or if they play a role in World Cup Qualifying. There is no order amongst these players, and we attempted to give at least one option in every area of the field.

Noahkai Banks - Fc Augsburg

Age In 2030: 23 years old

Noahkai Banks is arguably the best center back in the youth pool at this point. Banks has proved himself to be one of the most important players for the U20 MNT, but he was not released for the U20 CONCACAF Championships. Banks is currently in first team preseason with Augsburg, and the second team has already begun its season. This could be a good indicator that Banks has possibly graduated to the first team. He also recently signed his first professional contract with the club. I don’t think it's completely out there to say Banks has an outside chance to make the 2026 World Cup team if he establishes himself as a first choice center back in the Bundesliga which is possible.

Cavan Sullivan - Philadelphia Union

Age In 2030: 20 years old

Cavan Sullivan is the most talked about prospects maybe ever? Or at least since Freddy Adu. By this time, Sullivan will presumably playing for Manchester City. Many question how he will deal with the hype, and based off what we have seen thus far I believe Sullivan can become a superstar. Before then, Sullivan will need to dominate MLS. The 14 year old is already apart of the first team. We just have to hope he gets consistent game time whether that be with the first or second team for the rest of the year.

Peyton Miller - New England Revolution

Age In 2030: 22 years old

Peyton Miller is a name I would guess many are unaware of. Miller is an outside back, and he recently just made his first MLS start where he provided an assist. Miller is coming off a long injury, but he is a guy who could definitely benefit from being very versatile. Miller can play on the wing as well. He played up at the U17 World Cup, and I would guess he wasn’t released for the U20 tournament but I do not know for sure.

Matias Albert - Borussia Dortmund

Age In 2030: 21 years old

Mathis Albert will be playing up for Dortmund’s U17s this year. He is a dynamic winger. Pretty similar to current USMNT winger Christian Pulisic. Albert played two years up for the LA Galaxy U17s, and he has been promoted to the U17 USYNT ahead of U17 World Cup preparations. If Albert becomes a consistent player for Dortmund come 2030 there is no doubt he will be in contention for a roster spot. He is extremely talented taking players on 1v1 as well.

Diego Kochen - FC Barcelona

Age In 2030: 24 years old

The only keeper on this list, and he has already been on the provisional roster for the USMNT with playing only 45 minutes of first team football in a friendly. I think we are at the point in Kochen’s career where he may benefit from a loan to a top 8 league team in need of a keeper. Kochen faces steep competition from other young goalkeepers at Barcelona, and it will be important to see if he plays for the second team this season. Kochen has the talent it’s just a question if he can get on the field.

Maximo Carrizo - NYCFC

Age In 2030: 22 years old

Maximo Carrizo is another promising attacking midfielder. He has already been on the bench for NYCFC, and he signed the youngest homegrown deal in MLS history. Carrizo is a bit on the smaller side, but it is clear that he can navigate that in the professional game. Carrizo has the second most professional minutes of anyone born after 2007 in the United States, and he is a whole year younger.

Nimfasha Berchimas - Charlotte FC

Age In 2030: 22 years old

Nimfasha Berchimas is another big name in the USYNT community. Berchimas is already playing three years up with the U20s at the CONCACAF Championships, so on paper he is the most likely to be apart of the 2030 roster. Berchimas has not quite been able to make an impact on the MLS yet, but also he hasn’t been bad in his limited minutes with Charlotte. Berchimas no doubt has a decent chance to make the squad if he continues on his current trajectory.

Julian Hall - New York Red Bulls

Age In 2030: 22 years old

Another 2008 born player on this list. Julian Hall would more than likely compete for the same spot as Albert and Berchimas. I think it’s not unrealistic to say the three could all play big roles for the USMNT at some point. Julian Hall has already scored is first MLS goal, and in the past year it was reported that Chelsea were closely tracking him. Hall is killing it MLS Next Pro this year as well, and could prove to be a worthy option come 2030.

Justin Ellis - Orlando City

Age In 2030: 23 years old

Justin Ellis is the only true number nine on this list. He is also the only player to not play a big role with any of the USYNTs yet; which I believe is a mistake. Ellis is true number 9 who is heavily rated by many scouts. Ellis has made impacts in MLS Next Pro, but he hasn’t quite made Orlando’s first team pool yet.

Fidel Barajas - Chivas

Age In 2030: 24 years old

Probably the biggest dual national fight on this list. Not saying he has the most potential, but Fidel Barajas just moved to a club who historically only targets players who could play for Mexico. Barajas is no doubt a talent. He would regularly come off the bench for Real Salt Lake before making his move earlier this summer. Barajas played for Mexico at the U17 CONCACAF Championships last year where is was arguably in the team of the tournament. He has also been invited to both U.S U20 camp and Mexico U20 camp.