The 2026 World Cup is poised to be a defining occasion for soccer in the United States, with FC Dallas positioned to contribute significantly through its burgeoning roster of talent. Several players linked to FC Dallas’s academy or senior team are set to participate on soccer’s grandest stage, reflecting the club’s vital role in developing world-class talent.
FC Dallas’s influence extends from the club’s youth fields in Frisco to elite international competitions, as many players have progressed through its system and now represent their countries at the highest level. These athletes’ journeys showcase both the depth and quality of FC Dallas’s player development efforts.
Weston McKennie’s Journey From Dallas to the World Stage
At 27 years old, midfielder Weston McKennie remains one of the most recognizable American soccer products emerging from FC Dallas’s academy. Currently playing for Juventus in Italy’s Serie A, McKennie’s foundational years in Dallas shaped the dynamic, box-to-box midfielder who has become essential for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT).
McKennie debuted for the USMNT in 2017 against Portugal and has since accumulated 62 caps, contributing 11 goals and seven assists. Known for relentless stamina and impressive aerial ability, his defensive skills and ball-winning prowess provide a significant advantage in midfield battles.
His experience spans 347 appearances with four clubs across Europe, underscoring his leadership and physical impact that make him a key figure for the United States heading into the 2026 World Cup.
Ricardo Pepi’s Rise From Academy Prospect to International Striker
Ricardo Pepi, 23, embodies a remarkable American ascent from the FC Dallas youth ranks to the international stage. Hailing from El Paso, Pepi currently thrives as a striker for Dutch Eredivisie powerhouse PSV Eindhoven, where he has become an influential offensive presence.
During the recent European transfer window, Premier League club Fulham showed concrete interest in acquiring Pepi, a testament to his strong form. This season, he has scored eight goals in 15 league matches and added three in the UEFA Champions League.
His previous campaign was a breakthrough, netting 17 goals in 28 appearances and helping PSV secure the Eredivisie title. Since his USMNT debut in a 2021 World Cup qualifier against Honduras, Pepi has made 34 appearances, scoring 13 goals and registering three assists.
For FC Dallas supporters, Pepi’s potential appearance in 2026 symbolizes the fruition of the club’s developmental pipeline and the promise it holds for future talent.
Tanner Tessmann’s Growth as a Versatile Midfielder
At 24, midfielder Tanner Tessmann is another FC Dallas academy graduate making strides on the international circuit. Tessmann plays regularly for Olympique Lyonnais in France’s Ligue 1, where his size, defensive acumen, and passing range have earned him a solid reputation.
His performances have bolstered his standing with the USMNT, where he has 12 caps and one goal. Tessmann’s steady progress highlights FC Dallas’s ability to prepare players for the physical and tactical demands of international soccer, reflecting the club’s growing influence on global talent development.
Chris Richards: From Dallas Youth to Premier League Success
Defender Chris Richards, 25, emerged from the FC Dallas youth system before embarking on a professional journey that included Bayern Munich’s reserve team and loan spells at 1899 Hoffenheim. In 2022, Richards joined Premier League club Crystal Palace and played a pivotal role in their 2025 FA Cup victory.
Since making his USMNT debut in late 2020, Richards has become a dependable center back, appearing 35 times for the national side and scoring three goals. His composure, athleticism, and ability to confidently play out from the back have made him a mainstay in the U.S. defense, contributing to consecutive CONCACAF Nations League titles in 2023 and 2024.
Richards’s journey underscores FC Dallas’s commitment to nurturing defenders capable of competing at the highest levels of club and international soccer.
Petar Musa: Croatian Talent Strengthening FC Dallas’s International Reach
Croatian striker Petar Musa, 27, represents FC Dallas’s growing global presence as he prepares for potential World Cup duties with Croatia. Musa has proven to be a vital attacking force in Major League Soccer, scoring 34 goals in 60 appearances for FC Dallas.
His ability in the air, hold-up play, and efficient finishing inside the box makes him a constant threat for opposing defenses. Since entering the Croatian national setup in 2023, Musa has appeared eight times and scored once, adding another dimension to his profile heading into the World Cup.
Croatia is scheduled to face England on June 17 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, a testament to the United States hosting pivotal matches on home soil and FC Dallas players competing nearby on the world stage.
Don Deedson Louicius: Haiti’s Emerging Winger From Dallas Development System
Winger Don Deedson Louicius, 24, is a promising talent who developed within FC Dallas and now contends for a spot on Haiti’s World Cup roster. Known for his speed, creativity, and ability to excel in one-on-one situations, Deedson uses sharp changes of direction and close ball control to create scoring opportunities.
After joining FC Dallas in 2025 and receiving limited minutes in his debut season, he aims for a breakout year with the club. Internationally, Deedson boasts 28 caps and 10 goals for Haiti, adding to FC Dallas’s track record of producing players who succeed at the international level.
FC Dallas’s Impact on the 2026 World Cup and Beyond
As the 2026 World Cup nears, FC Dallas’s roster of homegrown and developed players ready to take part underscores the club’s vital role in shaping American and international soccer talent. The combination of players like Weston McKennie, Ricardo Pepi, Tanner Tessmann, Chris Richards, Petar Musa, and Don Deedson Louicius highlights the impressive depth and quality emerging from Dallas’s programs.
These athletes bring diverse experiences from Europe’s top leagues to MLS and international competitions, reflecting a growing global footprint fostered by FC Dallas. Their participation in the World Cup not only demonstrates personal achievement but also serves as a testament to the club’s commitment to developing players who can perform on soccer’s world stage.
As FC Dallas continues its 2026 season against Toronto at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, supporters anticipate seeing these players rise to meet the challenges ahead, driving optimism for both the club’s future and the broader American soccer landscape.
