The U.S. Men’s National Team has concluded its group stage schedule at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with several players boosting their chances in the squad and others hurting theirs.From Folarin Balogun’s positive final-third production to Sebastian Berhalter’s impactful start against Turkey, there was plenty for USMNT fans to be happy with from the three matches. Malik Tillman was also among the positive performers in the group stage, further solidifying his spot in the XI. However, a few players hurt their chances for knockout stage involvement including Mark McKenzie and Ricardo Pepi, who did not impress in their performances. Here is a closer look at the USMNT’s winners and losers from the group stage: WinnersFolarin BalogunIf there were any worries about Folarin Balogun locking down the No. 9 role, they should be all gone at this point. Balogun scored twice in a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, showing his clinical final-third abilities with a pair of wonderfully-taken goals. The Monaco forwarded that performance up by helping force an own goal in a 2-0 win over Australia, a result which helped seal the USMNT’s spot as Group D winners. Mauricio Pochettino did not call on Balogun against Turkey, which was a positive move in order to preserve him for the Round of 32 showdown with Bosnia & Herzegovina. It will continue to be Balogun’s job heading forward, especially with Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright both low on their individual form. Malik TillmanMalik Tillman has delivered positive performances in spurts with the USMNT but the group stage saw him fully round those into a pair of consistent outings. Tillman made a pair of back-to-back starts against Paraguay and Australia respectively, assisting once in the opening night romp. The 24-year-old has shown his creativity and versatility, becoming a key playmaker in the offensive end of the field.I fully expect Tillman to get the nod again in the Round of 32 as he’s been one of the USMNT’s better overall performers in the competition. Sebastian BerhalterSebastian Berhalter has made just one start an at the FIFA World Cup but the 25-year-old proved that he can be called on in a big-time match. Berhalter teed up Auston Trusty for the USMNT’s opening goal in Thursday’s 3-2 loss to Turkey before dialing his own number to net his first-career World Cup goal. The Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder was impactful throughout the match and again remains one of the USMNT’s better set-piece creators. He might drop back to the bench against Bosnia & Herzegovina but Berhalter should be one of the first names brought into the match if a substitute is needed.LosersMark McKenzieTim Ream and Chris Richards remain the USMNT’s top-two center backs in the squad and it’s looking more and more like Mark McKenzie is dropping in the pecking order.McKenzie played 90 minutes in the defeat to Turkey, struggling at times to deal with the versatile Turkish attack. The 27-year-old was joined by Miles Robinson in defense and neither boosted their chances to leapfrog Auston Trusty into the No. 3 centerback spot with their disappointing showings. McKenzie is likely to drop back to the bench for the knockout stage. Ricardo PepiTwo starts, one substitute appearance, zero goals for Ricardo Pepi. Pepi retained his starting spot for the USMNT’s loss to Turkey but failed to offer much in the final-third. He failed to record a shot on target in the match and ultimately was held in check by the Turkish defensive pairing of Ozan Kabak, Abdulkerim Bardakci, and Zeki Celik.The 23-year-old was also held shot-less in the win over Australia, stepping in for the injured Christian Pulisic. He will remain Balogun’s backup going forward, but it’s a worrying sign if Pepi cannot start making things happen offensively.Tim WeahTim Weah got the starting nod against Turkey as well, but looked like a player whose confidence is shot.Weah started as a left winger in Pochettino’s setup but failed to record a shot or create a single offensive opportunity. He also lost eight duels in the match and ultimately seems to be losing more and more chances to be a starter for this team. A consistent shuffle from wingback and fullback at club level to an attacking player for the USMNT could be playing a factor, but either way it’s up for Weah to get himself back on track.Who do you think impressed in the group stage other than these three selections? Who disappointed in your eyes? Share your thoughts below.