The USMNT is currently participating in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, and with the 2026 FIFA World Cup just a year away, the question arises: Can they leverage this tournament to their advantage in preparation for the World Cup?
The Gold Cup represents the USMNT's final competitive preparation before co-hosting the 2026 World Cup. The tournament's structure, featuring a group stage followed by knockout rounds, mirrors the World Cup format, providing a valuable opportunity to simulate the pressures and demands of the global stage. According to MLSsoccer.com, coach Mauricio Pochettino has made it clear that his long-term objective is success at the 2026 World Cup and hopes to use the Gold Cup to evaluate the player pool.
FOX Soccer analysts have discussed how seriously the USMNT views the Gold Cup and how they can utilize it to gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Alexi Lalas, a FOX Soccer analyst, highlighted that this is the last time that we’re going to see this team in a competitive environment before the World Cup. He notes that while there will be friendly games, nothing replaces actual competition.
One key aspect is the evaluation of players. With a large number of MLS players included in the squad, the Gold Cup offers Pochettino a chance to assess their capabilities and determine who can contribute effectively to the World Cup campaign. He can experiment with different lineups, formations, and tactical approaches to identify the optimal combinations for various match scenarios.
However, challenges exist. Alexi Lalas also commented on Christian Pulisic's absence from the Gold Cup squad, highlighting the disagreement between Pulisic and USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino. Lalas suggests that Pochettino might be biting his tongue, recognizing Pulisic's importance while perhaps disagreeing with his decision to skip the tournament for rest. This absence of key players could impact the team's performance and limit the scope of experimentation.
Despite these challenges, the USMNT can still benefit significantly from the Gold Cup. They can focus on building team cohesion, refining their tactical strategies, and developing a winning mentality. According to Lalas, Americans don't care how this team wins, they just want to see it win. He goes on to say that even if it is the ugliest soccer you have ever seen, they will be celebrated for it because it hasn't been done. A successful Gold Cup campaign can boost the team's confidence and create positive momentum heading into the World Cup year.
Moreover, the Gold Cup provides an opportunity to connect with fans and generate excitement for the upcoming World Cup. Playing matches on home soil, as the USMNT will be doing, allows them to showcase their talent and build a strong following. This can create a sense of national pride and unity, which can be a powerful force during the World Cup.
