Max Arfsten, a former standout at UC Davis, has been named to the U.S. Men's National Team's 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As a defender for the Columbus Crew, he is both the only Crew player selected and one of 10 defenders on the squad. Arfsten is set to compete in the first men's World Cup in the U.S. since 1994, starting with a match against Paraguay on June 12.

By the Numbers
  • 18 senior international caps for the U.S. since debuting in January 2025.
  • 9 goals and 8 assists in 39 matches during his time at UC Davis.
  • 1 goal in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals against Costa Rica.
  • 87 appearances, 14 goals, and 22 assists for Columbus across all competitions.
State of Play
  • U.S. opens Group D play on June 12 against Paraguay.
  • Subsequent matches against Australia and Turkey in group stages.
  • Arfsten last played for the USMNT in March 2026 friendlies.
What's Next

As the World Cup approaches, Arfsten will focus on preparing with his teammates, aiming to advance beyond the group stages. Upcoming matches will be pivotal for building team cohesion and strategy.

Bottom Line

Max Arfsten's selection for the World Cup highlights his significant progress since his collegiate days and underscores the U.S. team's growing talent pool. His performance in the tournament could impact his career trajectory and the national team's success.