The Five USMNT Players Looking to Make Their Mark in Ligue 1 During the 2026-27 Season

These USMNT stars are set to shine in France's Ligue 1 during the 2026-27 season. Read beIN SPORTS' exclusive look at the five Americans to watch.

Ligue 1 will once again showcase a strong American presence during the 2026-27 season.

Five United States men's national team (USMNT) players are set to compete in France's top flight, representing clubs with European ambitions as well as teams looking to continue their long-term development.

Some are already well established in the league and enter the new campaign with valuable experience, while others are preparing for a fresh challenge after completing summer transfer moves.

Here's a closer look at their careers, key statistics, and what to expect from each American heading into the new Ligue 1 season.

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Folarin Balogun | AS Monaco

At 25 years old, Folarin Balogun is preparing for his fourth Ligue 1 campaign, a league he knows exceptionally well after bursting onto the scene with Stade de Reims during the 2022-23 season.

A product of Arsenal's academy, Balogun enjoyed a breakout loan spell with Reims, scoring 21 league goals in 37 appearances. His impressive form convinced AS Monaco to sign him permanently in the summer of 2023.

Since arriving in the Principality, he has established himself as one of Monaco's primary attacking threats. Before making the move to France, Balogun also spent time on loan with Middlesbrough in England.

His pace, intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and relentless pressing continue to make him one of the top American strikers playing in Europe.

Balogun will also begin the season aiming to return to peak form after overcoming multiple injury setbacks over the past year.

The striker was one of the standout performers for the USMNT at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing as the team's leading scorer with three goals, including a brace in the tournament opener against Paraguay. He now enters the new season determined to carry that momentum into Monaco and further cement his place as the United States' first-choice striker heading into the next international cycle.

Timothy Weah | Olympique de Marseille

Timothy Weah's return to French football is one of the most intriguing moves of the summer transfer window.

The son of Ballon d'Or winner George Weah, he developed through Paris Saint-Germain's academy before spending time with Celtic, establishing himself at Lille, and later joining Juventus.

During four seasons with Lille, Weah made more than 100 competitive appearances and helped the club capture the 2020-21 Ligue 1 title.

His previous experience in France should allow him to adapt quickly at Olympique de Marseille, where his versatility enables him to play as a winger, wing-back, or full-back.

His pace, dribbling ability, and tireless work rate down the flank are expected to provide an immediate boost to Marseille's attack.

Weah was part of the United States squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing valuable experience as the Americans advanced to the knockout rounds.

His challenge in Marseille will be to regain a consistent starting role while becoming an important piece in Mauricio Pochettino's system, where his tactical flexibility could prove invaluable.

Tanner Tessmann | Olympique Lyon

American midfielder Tanner Tessmann will continue his development with Olympique Lyon after joining the French club from Venezia in 2024. Before moving to Europe, he began his professional career with FC Dallas in Major League Soccer.

During three seasons in Italy, Tessmann became a key contributor in Venezia's promotion to Serie A.

His first year in Ligue 1 allowed him to adjust to the league's physical demands while establishing himself as a reliable midfield option.

Known for his ball-winning ability, passing range, and defensive balance, Tessmann has all the qualities to become an increasingly important player for Lyon.

Unlike several of his American teammates, Tessmann did not make the final USMNT roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The upcoming season offers him an excellent opportunity to impress the national team's coaching staff and compete for a place in the United States midfield ahead of future international competitions.

Mark McKenzie | Toulouse FC

Center-back Mark McKenzie remains one of the most experienced American defenders playing in Europe.

A graduate of the Philadelphia Union academy, he joined Genk in Belgium in 2021, where he gained valuable domestic and European experience before signing with Toulouse FC in 2024.

During his first Ligue 1 season, McKenzie adapted quickly to Toulouse's defensive structure, providing aerial dominance, composure in possession, and leadership at the back.

His extensive experience with the USMNT has also made him one of the veteran voices inside Toulouse's dressing room.

McKenzie was included in the United States squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although he played a more limited role than some of the team's other defensive leaders.

This season, he will look to establish himself among Ligue 1's most dependable center-backs while strengthening his case for a regular starting role with the national team.

Gio Reyna | RC Strasbourg

After several injury-plagued and inconsistent seasons, Gio Reyna will look to revive his career with RC Strasbourg.

Developed in the New York City FC academy, Reyna made the move to Borussia Dortmund as a teenager, quickly emerging as one of the brightest American prospects in Europe.

He also spent time with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League before joining Borussia Mönchengladbach, eventually completing a move to Strasbourg ahead of the 2026-27 season.

His creativity, vision, passing ability, and long-range shooting allow him to operate effectively as either an attacking midfielder or a winger.

In France, Reyna's priority will be to regain consistent playing time, rebuild his confidence, and become Strasbourg's primary creative force.

Despite limited club minutes leading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Reyna earned a place in Mauricio Pochettino's squad and appeared in all five of the United States' matches, scoring once during the tournament.

His move to Strasbourg is designed to provide regular playing time, help him rediscover his best form, and reestablish himself as one of the USMNT's most influential attacking players heading toward the next World Cup cycle.