The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost here, and as the long-awaited tournament quickly approaches, national teams are gearing up for a summer of competition ahead.
Six players with Union ties across three teams are set to represent their respective countries in this year's competition, many of which made their mark in the opening weekend of World Cup tune-up matches.
Haiti - Danley Jean Jacques
South Africa - Olwethu Makhanya
USA - Mark McKenzie, Auston Trusty, Brenden Aaronson, Matt Freese
Olwethu Makhanya makes his international debut
Less than one week after he was selected to Hugo Broos' 26-man roster, Olwethu Makhanya made his Bafana Bafana senior team debut at last, playing a full 90 minutes in South Africa's 0-0 home draw against Nicaragua on Saturday.
The hosts controlled the majority of the match, creating issues for Nicaragua's defense, but their momentum tapered after a failed goal attempts and a missed penalty given in the first-half. Struggling to convert chances, the Bafana Bafana settled for a draw before departing for Mexico.
Next up, the team will play Jamaica on June 5, before turning their full attention toward their World Cup opener against tournament co-host Mexico on June 11 in Mexico City.
USA defeats Senegal in Charlotte
The USMNT team got an exciting preview of what it'll be like to host the World Cup in the states on Sunday, defeating Senegal 3-2 in front of nearly 60,000 fans at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
With first half goals from Sergiño Dest and Christian Pulisic, the Americans built an early advantage before conceding a Sadio Mané goal in the 44th. Mané equalized for the visitors coming out of halftime, but Timothy Weah saved the day with a game-winner in the 63rd minute.
As for Philly's former Homegrowns, Mark McKenzie started the match at centerback alongside Tim Ream before he was substituted off for Miles Robinson in the 50th. Auston Trusty replaced Ream for the entire second half.
Homegrown goalkeeper Matt Freese did not feature in the match, with Mauricio Pochettino instead starting Matt Turner, then giving a gameday debut to Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady.
Another Pennsylvania product who was called up to play for the USMNT but awaits game time is Brenden Aaronson.
Next up, Pochettino's squad will face four-time World Cup winners Germany on Saturday, June 6 at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Haiti to play New Zealand on Tuesday
Philadelphia Union midfielder Danley Jean Jacques and Haiti will play their first tune-up on Tuesday against New Zealand in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
