As we turn the calendar page to March this weekend it’s less than three months until we learn who makes the U.S. World Cup roster. Who makes that team will be determined in part by what happens in the season’s remaining games, such as the ones we see this weekend.

There are other important things to watch, such as: the U.S. U-20 team, which will have its World Cup qualifiers this summer; the U.S. U-17 team, which has a World Cup later this year; and the under-23 Olympic team, which will begin preparations for the 2028 Olympics this year.

All of these storylines are involved in the top five games to follow this weekend, which take place in England, France, Spain, the Netherlands, and New Jersey.

Bournemouth vs. Sunderland (Premier League 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿)
• Tyler Adams
Saturday, Feb. 28, 7:30 am ET 📺 USA, Universo

Tyler Adams made his return to AFC Bournemouth’s starting lineup last weekend for his first minutes since suffering a knee injury on Dec. 15. The USA’s 2022 team World Cup captain played 66 minutes in a 0-0 tie with West Ham United. It was a good performance from Adams defensively but there were signs of rust with the ball. He played conservatively with his passing and did not contribute much in the attack.

Tyler Adams with Bournemouth. (Photo: Izzy Poles/News Images via ZUMA Press Wire)

More should be expected of Adams on Saturday when Bournemouth returns home to face Sunderland. With a game and a full week of training now under his belt, Adams should be getting closer to his normal level.

Only two points separate these teams but they are heading in opposite directions. Bournemouth is rising and now sits eighth place with 38 points. The southern coastal club is unbeaten in seven Premier League matches. Meanwhile, Sunderland sits 12^th with 36 points and has lost its last three Premier League games (as well as four of its last five).

For the U.S. national team, having Adams back is very welcome news. The team is deep with central midfielders but Adams is unique in that he is the best at disrupting the attack of opposing teams and shielding his own backline. If he is starting now, he could be back for the March friendlies.

Heracles vs PSV (Eredivisie 🇳🇱)
• Ricardo Pepi, Sergino Dest
Saturday, Feb. 28, 12:45 pm ET. 📺 ESPN+