The U.S. Men's National Team's annual January training camp, a tradition for over a quarter-century, will not take place in 2026. U.S. Soccer vice president Oguchi Onyewu confirmed the decision, marking a significant shift in the USMNT's program.
The January camp, often called "Camp Cupcake" by fans, has historically served as a crucial opportunity for MLS-based players to gain exposure and experience with the national team. Dating back to 1997, the camp has been a platform for evaluating players and integrating them into the national team setup. Many current and former USMNT players earned their first international experiences during this period. In fact, 30 players who debuted or earned their second cap during the January camp went on to make a FIFA World Cup roster. Nine players from the 2022 World Cup squad, including Tyler Adams, Matt Turner, and Tim Ream, earned their first or second cap in a January friendly. Legends like Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, and Jozy Altidore also kickstarted their careers with January appearances.
However, the necessity of the January camp has been debated as MLS has evolved. In the early years, when the MLS season had a significant offseason, the camp was vital for keeping MLS-based national team players in shape. Now, with the MLS Cup concluding in early December and training camps beginning in January, MLS teams have become less willing to release key players for national team duty. Furthermore, with a growing number of U.S. national team players based in Europe, the camp's focus has shifted primarily to MLS players. Some have argued that it has become more of a training camp for younger, fringe players rather than a true national team camp.
The decision to put the January camp on hold reflects a commitment to collaboration, player welfare, and the continued advancement of soccer in the United States. According to Onyewu, moving the camp to December represents a natural next step in the shared commitment to these principles. This shift aims to expand opportunities for both youth and senior national team players while maintaining strong relationships with domestic leagues and clubs.
Despite the cancellation of the January camp in 2026, the USMNT's preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, remains a priority. The Concacaf Nations League Finals and the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup will serve as important opportunities for players to showcase their abilities in tournament conditions. New USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino is focused on identifying new talent and evaluating the player pool ahead of the World Cup. The 2025 January camp, which featured a roster of 24 players, including several uncapped players from MLS, provided Pochettino with a chance to assess the depth of the country's talent pool. The team opened its 2025 schedule with a 3-1 victory against Venezuela and a 3-0 win against Costa Rica, offering valuable insights into potential future national team players.
While the annual January camp will be missed by some, the move to December signifies a strategic adjustment aimed at optimizing player development and strengthening the connection between the national team and domestic soccer. The USMNT will continue to seek opportunities to evaluate and integrate players as they prepare for the challenges and excitement of the 2026 World Cup.
