Four USA players who impressed at the Concacaf Nations League Finals

• USA have won third consecutive Concacaf Nations League title

• They defeated fellow FIFA World Cup 26 co-hosts Mexico in the final

• The likes of Gio Reyna and Hagi Wright impressed during the tournament

For the third straight time, FIFA World Cup 26™ co-hosts USA won the Concacaf Nations League Finals by defeating long-time rivals and fellow 2026 co-hosts Mexico 2-0 in the final on 24 March.

There were many standout performances from the Americans on their path to glory. Here, FIFA picks out four players who impressed the most.

Reyna captured the Best Player Award after supplying a pair of assists in the 3-1 extra-time victory over Jamaica in the semi-finals, followed by scoring the second of the night in the final against Mexico.

The 21-year-old started the semi-finals on the bench, but his second-half inclusion sparked the USA to a late equaliser and then a decisive display in the extra period.

Reyna’s ability to operate in small spaces and pick the lock of opposing defences is unmatched on this USA team. Complementing that play-making skill is his cold-blooded penchant for scoring inside the area. When Reyna is in fine form, USA are a tough foe to slow down.

“The group of guys and the energy that we have here, it’s amazing. I always love coming to camp. I really mean it from the bottom of my heart that it’s a great group of guys, they are so great to work with and be around. It’s an honor to play with these guys for my country,” said Reyna to CBS following the final.

As FIFA World Cup 26 draws closer, USA fans will no doubt be eager to see Reyna replicate his Nations League displays at club level and at this summer’s CONMEBOL Copa America 2024.

Wright led USA in scoring at the Nations League Finals thanks to his two goals in extra time against Jamaica.

Ironically, Wright was not even supposed to be in Texas for the games. With his bags packed for a holiday in Dubai with the family, the Coventry City striker received a call from head coach Gregg Berhalter that changed his plans.

“He had a family vacation planned for the international break and so I called him and he was like, 'Oh, I'm at the airport and my whole family's here, my agent's already there and my girlfriend, she planned the whole thing.'

“I said, 'Let's hang up and just think about it. Process it, right? I know it's a lot of information right now for you to handle. I know you've got your parents, the bags are packed, and you're at the airport, but just think about it for 10 minutes and give me a call back,' and he called me back and he said, 'I'm in,’” said Berhalter.

The coach's timing was impeccable. Wright came off the bench against Jamaica to score those two goals, and then started the final against Mexico, using his big frame to provide valuable hold-up play.

Injuries have plagued Adams in the last calendar year, forcing him to miss extended time with club side Bournemouth. The Nations League Finals coincided with his return to fitness and logically, pre-tournament, Berhalter and Bournemouth reached an agreement to keep Adams on a minutes restriction.

The youngest captain at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ was unhappy in the semi-finals when Berhalter brought him off in extra time after playing just 45 minutes as a substitute himself.

Eyebrows were then raised when Adams was slotted into the starting XI for the final against Mexico, making it his first start in 478 days for either club or country. On the brink of half-time when he knew his minutes restriction would be enforced, the 25-year-old midfielder delivered a sizzler from distance, scoring a golazo from 35 yards out to hand USA a 1-0 lead.

“When I knew I was starting, I was really excited, of course, because I know the impact I can have. Not scoring goals like that all the time, but I’m happy I could hit one like that today,” said Adams post-match to CBS.

The dogged determination that Adams brings to the defensive midfield is crucial to USA’s success, and along with his long-range striking ability, Adams is showing that he’s recovered and ready to shine at club and national team level.

The centre-back position has been a conundrum for the Stars and Stripes in recent years, but Richards stepped forward with authority in the Nations League Finals to solidify his place in the middle of the back line.

The 24-year-old Alabama native, who has also played in midfield and right-back this season for club side Crystal Palace, started both matches in the centre of USA's defence and went the distance in each, finishing with an impressive seven clearances over the two games.

“After our game against Jamaica, I think there was a bit of pressure on us to put in a good performance," said Richards. "We always love playing Mexico even though it's a tough game, and we came into the game knowing that we had to really go hard. And I think that’s exactly what we did."

Whether it was putting the clamps on crafty Jamaica forward Renaldo Cephas or going body-to-body against Mexico’s Henry Martin or Santiago Gimenez, Richards was there at every turn to help the USA secure the title.