Positionally, this class has several clear strengths. The full-back group is arguably the best of any active USYNT cohort, with above-average depth and multiple high-ceiling profiles on both flanks. Center-back is another standout, led by Pierre and supported by a cluster of physically and tactically advanced defenders. Goalkeeper isn’t deep, but the top options have consistently performed at a high level for USYNT and remain firmly in the mix.

The picture becomes less encouraging in midfield, where the pool is thin across all profiles, and the wing group—while not bad—relies heavily on dual-nationals in Europe who are currently representing other countries. The striker class has also thinned from what once looked like a major strength, though Justin Ellis and Jykese Fields remain excellent long-term prospects.

As with many modern American age groups, the ultimate ceiling will depend on how many European-based dual-nationals commit to the U.S. program. With the 2007s set to lead the next U-20 World Cup cycle, this will be the first real opportunity for the class to solidify its identity—and to prove it can emerge as one of the more impactful groups in the pipeline.

1. W, Zavier Gozo, Real Salt Lake (↑1)
Gozo is a direct attacker with great pace and a world-class work rate, pairing relentless stamina with a killer mentality. He finds space both centrally and out wide, and has become highly effective in the final third with both feet.

2. LB, Peyton Miller, New England Revolution (↓1)
Miller is an explosive, strong left-back who excels in one-touch scenarios and runs the wide channels well. He is comfortable pushing forward into the final third and solid defensively.

3. W, Liam West, FC Copenhagen (New addition)
West is a smooth, dynamic winger who beats defenders 1v1 with quick feet. He has good ideas in tight spaces.

4. CB, Neil Pierre, Lyngby Boldklub (No change)
Pierre is a towering center-back who dominates aerial and ground duels and times his tackles well. He is a deceptively brave passer with very good range, and a threat to score on set plays.

5. CF, Jykese Fields, Hoffenheim (New addition)
Fields is a center-forward with an ideal blend of size and speed and a relentless runner off the ball. He is hungry for goals.

6. CB, Tyler Meiser, Borussia Mönchengladbach (↓3)
Meiser is a center-back with prototypical size who is mobile in space and physical in his duels. He is an intelligent defender who is reliable on the ball.

7. CF, Justin Ellis, Orlando City (↓2)
Ellis is a center-forward with good balance, fantastic footwork, and great vision, an inventive player who has added goals to his game. He finds solutions and creates magic in tight spaces, and he is tough and plays with loads of confidence.

8. W, Montrell Culbreath, Bayer Leverkusen (↑1)
Culbreath is a quick, shifty winger who thrives in tight spaces. He is very tidy on the ball and technically clean in everything he does.

9. LB, Dominik Chong Qui, Atlanta United (↑3)
Chong Qui is an explosive, strong left-back who flashes real offensive ability. He has the tools to be a top-level defender.

10. AM, Marvin Dills, Eintracht Frankfurt (↓3)
Dills is an attacking-midfielder who is strong and balanced on the ball with very good close control. He stays calm in tight spaces and plays the role of creator in the final third.

11. LB, Christian McFarlane, Manchester City (↓5)
McFarlane is a left-back with an elite combination of size and speed and elite defensive potential. He is great in overlaps and provides good service.

12.  RB, Drew Baiera, NYCFC (↓4)
Baiera is a right-back with great speed who flies up and down the channel. He is tidy on the ball, moves well off it, and is a capable defender.

13. CB/RB, Michael Bresser, PSV (No change)
Bresser is a versatile defender with an impressive blend of length and mobility who excels as an off-ball defender. He’s also capable of breaking lines with his passing, though he’s still developing his one-on-one defensive ability.

14. GK, Kayne Rizvanovich, Minnesota United (New addition)
Rizvanovich is a goalkeeper with good size and sharp reactions who explodes out of his stance. He has strong hands, can pull off highlight-reel saves, and is improving his distribution.

15. CM, Jonathan Shore, NYCFC (↑3)
Shore is a central-midfielder who is highly competent and reliable on the ball. He makes good decisions, keeps the ball secure, and brings ideas in the final third.

16. CM/DM, Darius Lane, Brighton (↓2)
Lane is a well-rounded midfielder with good size, strength, and mobility, a clean technical foundation, and a clear sense of purpose on the ball. He can create from deeper areas but needs to improve his defensive positioning and urgency.

17. RB, Harbor Miller, LA Galaxy (No change)
Miller is a right-back with good burst and agility who is comfortable attacking at pace. He is a very good crosser with decent defensive potential.

18. CB, Chibuike Ukaegbu, Sacramento Republic (↓7)
Ukaegbu is a long, athletic center-back who’s confident on the ball, regularly driving into space and forcing opponents to commit, with the ability to pass effectively with both feet. His defending is improving but still trails behind his advanced comfort and impact in possession.

19. LB, Tristan Brown, Columbus Crew (No change)
Brown is a pacey left-back who contributes well in the channels, combines effectively, and delivers quality service from wide areas. While currently adequate defensively, he shows the instincts and tools to develop into an above-average defender.

20. AM, Gavin Turner, DC United (↓10)
Turner is a smooth, technical attacker with good balance, pace, and intelligent off-ball movement. He thrives in the half spaces rather than out wide, combining creativity and risk-taking with a sharp feel for the game.

I have not had the opportunity to thoroughly scout the following players in the last 12-months. If you have full game film for any of these players from the last 12-months, please fill out the form below.

GK, Giorgio De Marzi (Roma), GK, Bruno Klimek (Real Betis), LB, Thomas Coulombe (Espanyol), CB, Ian Togo (Huddersfield Town), DM, Benjamin Nagel (Twente), W, Xanti Oyharzabal (Athletic Club).