The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As the excitement builds, here's a comprehensive look at the team's history, schedule, and players to watch.
A Look Back at USMNT's World Cup History
The USMNT has a storied history in the World Cup, dating back to the inaugural tournament in 1930 in Uruguay. That year marked their best-ever finish, reaching the semi-finals and officially being listed as third place. The U.S. also participated in the 1934 and 1950 World Cups, even defeating England 1-0 in the latter. However, they didn't qualify again until 1990.
As hosts in 1994, the U.S. received an automatic spot and reached the round of 16. They then qualified for five consecutive World Cups, a feat shared by only seven other nations. In 2002, the team reached the quarter-finals, their best performance since 1930. They defeated Portugal in the group stage and Mexico in the Round of 16 before losing to Germany. Overall, the USMNT has appeared in 11 FIFA World Cups, with the 2026 edition being their 12th. Their overall record in World Cup matches is 8 wins, 19 losses, and 6 draws.
USMNT's Road to the 2026 World Cup
The USMNT, as one of the host nations, automatically qualifies for the 2026 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The USMNT will begin their campaign on Saturday, June 12, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Their second match will be on June 19 at Lumen Field in Seattle, and they will return to SoFi Stadium for their third group stage match on June 25. The draw to determine the groups will occur on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
If the USMNT wins their group, they will remain on the West Coast for a match at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. A second-place finish would see them move to Arlington, Texas, while a third-place finish would depend on their point total and other group results.
Key Players to Watch
Several players are expected to play crucial roles for the USMNT in the 2026 World Cup.
- Christian Pulisic: The 27-year-old winger, playing for AC Milan, is the leading active scorer for the USMNT with 32 goals.
- Weston McKennie: The midfielder, playing for Juventus, is a vital player in the midfield.
- Tyler Adams: Another key midfielder, playing for AFC Bournemouth, is known for his defensive and ball-distribution skills.
- Chris Richards: The center-back for Crystal Palace is emerging as a top defender for the U.S.
- Matt Freese: Expected to be the starting goalkeeper after a strong performance with both the USMNT and NYCFC.
- Yunus Musah: The 22-year-old midfielder currently playing for Serie A side Atalanta.
Management
Mauricio Pochettino was hired as the USMNT's manager in September 2024, replacing Gregg Berhalter. Pochettino, an Argentinian native who played in the World Cup, has previously coached notable European clubs such as Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the USMNT aims to make a significant impact on home soil. With a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, the team is eager to create a memorable experience for fans and solidify its place in soccer history.
