The United States Under-20 Men’s National Team wrapped the 2025 U-20 World Cup with a defeat to eventual champions Morocco (3-1) in the quarterfinal round after finishing atop Group E. While the squad
failed to improve upon the program’s fourth-place run at the 1989 competition, several talents stood out and could be viewed as potential future options at the senior level. Nolan Norris is an emerging professional who featured in four matches at the tournament, including finding the back of the net twice in the opener against New Caledonia. The 20-year-old FC Dallas defender is still in search of consistent playing time but could take the next step very soon.
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Norris joined the vaunted FC Dallas academy in 2017, won the Dallas Cup and Bayern Adidas Campus Cup, and was ranked as a four-star recruit and the 35th best player in the country by Top Drawer Soccer, being praised for his smoothness, “amazing” read of the game, and ability to “do the unexpected.” He progressed up the pyramid before appearing with the reserves, North Texas SC, and making 10 MLS NEXT Pro appearances in 2022. Eschewing a commitment to Furman University, the club signed him to a three-year Homegrown player contract with options for two additional seasons.
“Throughout his time in the academy, Norris was lauded as a future professional due to his soccer brain and his ability to read play,” wrote Ismael Martinez Bekoura for Afterburn Soccer. “His best attributes have never been physical, but rather mental… Although he doesn’t have the height that would be important in a competitive league like MLS, his defensive IQ and his passing ability out of the back [were tools] for North Texas SC last season.”
In 2023, Norris featured 13 times with the reserves, “shuffling around a lot” but appreciating the opportunity to receive experience. He was a regular inclusion on the first-team bench and made his senior debut in May, playing 55 minutes in a 2-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City. His number was called again the following week, going 81 minutes in a 2-1 defeat against Nashville SC.
Last year, Norris continued to split time between the levels, displaying a high passing accuracy and becoming more aggressive on defense. He made 16 appearances across all competitions with North Texas, contributed a goal and two assists, and played every postseason minute as the team claimed the regular season and playoff titles. His MLS contributions totaled four matches, including three starts, as his confidence continued to grow.
“I think the biggest thing for football is playing games,” Norris shared on the Winners Club Podcast. “So, whether it’s for the first team or the second team, I need to play games. Obviously, training with the first team Monday through Friday is great, and, you know, being in the squad is great, but regardless of where I’m playing or who I’m playing with, I just love to be on the field. Definitely, when I’m with North Texas, it’s something that I appreciate. I need the minutes, and I take it as a leadership role with the guys.”
This season, Nolan has mostly been with the first team and had a consistent run at left back in the early stages of the schedule. However, his playing time waned, with contributions limited to sporadic substitute appearances; he featured 16 total times and registered an assist in the 4-2 victory over Sporting Kansas City, helping FC Dallas into the playoffs. The manager started him in the second leg of the first-round series against the Vancouver Whitecaps, with the defender’s “outstanding” performance marred by a missed penalty that doomed his side to elimination.
At the international level, Norris began appearing with the United States program in the Under-15 section, won the 2022 Slovenia Nations Cup, and was on the roster for the 2023 Pan American Games. Described as the “heart and soul of the team,” he served as captain at the 2024 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, featuring in every match during the run to a second-place finish. At the recent U-20 World Cup, the defender was included in two group stage and knockout matches apiece, scored a brace in the opening 9-1 victory over New Caledonia, and drew a penalty in the elimination loss to Morocco.
Standing at 5 feet, 11 inches tall after benefitting from a growth spurt, Norris is a versatile player “with a nice left foot” who can deploy at centre-back, fullback, the six, and center midfielder. He fills the stat sheet with regular interceptions, blocks, and clearances while winning his aerial duels and playing a significant number of passes. Taking pride in his first touch, tackling, aggression, and coverage, Tactics Free Zone notes his status as a “tweener” but praises a “super smart” read of the game.
“The thing that I like the most about Nolan is his personality,” said FC Dallas chief soccer officer André Zanotta. “Nolan is a kid that if you put him to play in an academy game and you put him to play in a World Cup final, he will play the same way. Like, he doesn’t get nervous when you expose him to bigger challenges. He’s there, he’s ready. His mentality is great. He’s a fighter… We keep seeing him at the highest level. He’s playing MLS games like it’s fine for him… When he needs to be tough, he’s tough… He will do whatever it takes. He’s a warrior.”
The United States had a strong showing at the U-20 World Cup and took down some huge names, with Norris featuring in the biggest matches. Now, he is back to his club in hopes of receiving more playing time, building on his experience from earlier in the season. His true breakout should come in 2026, with further success and continued development leading to greater heights.
