For Timo Werner, the move to MLS wasn’t just a change of scenery. It was a calculated decision to keep his international career alive.
Now 30 and playing for the San Jose Earthquakes after joining from RB Leipzig earlier in 2026, Werner is making what could be his final push to earn a spot on Germany national team's roster for this summer’s FIFA World Cup 2026.
His early returns in California suggest that push is gaining momentum. Werner delivered his most impactful performance yet in a statement 4-1 win over Los Angeles FC at BMO Stadium. He assisted the opener and followed it up with a solo goal that highlighted the traits that once made him one of Europe‘s most dangerous forwards – pace, directness, and an ability to attack defenders in space.
A reminder rather than a highlight
After a difficult stretch in Europe that included inconsistent form and diminished confidence, Werner arrived in San Jose needing to reset. Through his first appearances in MLS, he’s already contributed three assists and now has his first goal, a breakthrough that he acknowledged as critical for a striker trying to rebuild rhythm.
Head coach Bruce Arena has been careful not to overstate things, but his early assessment carries weight. He has emphasized that Werner still needs time to reach full fitness and rhythm, yet has repeatedly pointed to his quality as a difference-maker for a team that’s quickly becoming one of the league’s biggest surprises.
That context matters. San Jose‘s resurgence has been one of the defining early stories of the MLS season. After missing the 2025 playoffs, the Earthquakes have surged to seven wins in their first eight matches, matching the Western Conference lead with Vancouver Whitecaps on 21 points. Their dominant win over LAFC – one of the Western Conference‘s traditional powers – reinforced that this is more than a hot start.
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Werner's arrival looks increasingly like the missing piece
For the player, though, the stakes extend beyond club success. His international future is uncertain. Germany‘s forward pool has evolved, and competition for World Cup spots is intense. Werner‘s past contributions – including his role in major tournaments and his time at clubs like Chelsea FC – won’t be enough on their own to secure selection.
That's why MLS matters in this moment. Werner doesn’t need to dominate headlines in Europe; he needs to produce consistently, show sharpness, and prove he can still impact games at a high level. His performance against LAFC offered a glimpse of that version of himself – the one who thrived in the Bundesliga and delivered in big matches.
There's also a practical element. Regular minutes, attacking freedom, and a system that plays to his strengths could give Werner the platform he lacked in his final months in Europe. In San Jose, he’s not just another option – he’s central to the project. Whether that will be enough to convince Germany‘s decision-makers remains unclear. International selections rarely hinge on a single match or even a short run of form. But timing is on Werner‘s side. With the World Cup approaching, a strong spring in MLS could put him back into the conversation.
