Maurice Edu, a former USMNT player and current soccer analyst, has shared his insights on what to expect from the United States Men's National Team at the 2026 World Cup. With the tournament being hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, expectations are high for the USMNT to perform well on home soil.

Edu emphasizes that the USMNT's performance in the 2026 World Cup will largely depend on the growth and development of its young core of players. He noted back in 2021 that players like Gio Reyna and Christian Pulisic were still in their early twenties, highlighting the immense potential within the team. Edu believes that if this core group remains intact and continues to mature, they could achieve great things when the World Cup is hosted on home soil.

Drawing from his own experiences with the national team, Edu points out the differences between the current squad and the teams he played on. He recalls his early days with the USMNT, where a strong veteran presence, including players like Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Carlos Bocanegra, provided guidance and leadership. This allowed younger players to integrate more easily into the team. In contrast, the current USMNT has seen younger players thrust into key roles, requiring them to shoulder significant pressure.

Despite the challenges, Edu is optimistic about the direction of the team under head coach Gregg Berhalter. He acknowledges the growing pains the team has experienced, such as the difficult qualification process for the 2022 World Cup. However, he also sees a team that believes in itself and possesses incredible talent. Edu has expressed that the current team has come together quicker than he expected.

Edu also underlines the importance of the USMNT not taking their World Cup opportunity for granted. He reflects on the team's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and emphasizes that qualification is never guaranteed. He stresses that the players must remain focused and determined.

Looking back to the 2022 World Cup, Edu stated that failing to advance beyond the group stage would constitute a failure for the USMNT. He asserts that the team's mindset is not simply to be happy to participate but to compete and prove themselves on the world stage.

Overall, Maurice Edu's analysis suggests that the USMNT has the potential to make a significant impact at the 2026 World Cup, particularly with the advantage of playing on home soil. The development of the team's young core, combined with strong leadership and a determined mindset, will be crucial factors in determining their success.