The U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) faces a defining period as it approaches the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted on home soil. With less than a year remaining, the pressure is on to solidify the team's identity, refine its tactics, and build momentum. Following a disappointing Copa América 2024 and mixed results under manager Mauricio Pochettino, the upcoming friendlies and the overall performance in the next year will be crucial in setting the bar for success.
Upcoming Matches and Roster Adjustments
The USMNT has a series of friendlies scheduled in September, October and November 2025. These matches offer an opportunity for Pochettino to experiment with the roster and tactics. The team will face South Korea and Japan in September, followed by Ecuador and Australia in October. A high-profile friendly against Uruguay, a rematch of the Copa América 2024 group stage match, is slated for November.
Pochettino has called up a mix of experienced players and MLS standouts for the September friendlies. Christian Pulisic returns to the squad after missing the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and MLS players like Max Arfsten, Matt Freese, and Diego Luna have been given a chance to prove themselves. However, some notable players such as Gio Reyna and Weston McKennie were not included in the squad.
Tactical Flexibility and Player Opportunities
Pochettino has emphasized the importance of tactical flexibility and creating unpredictability. He aims to provide opportunities for players to showcase their abilities and earn a place in the World Cup squad. With the absence of McKennie and Yunus Musah, players like Luca De La Torre have a chance to impress in midfield.
The striker position is also up for grabs, with Josh Sargent and Folarin Balogun competing for the starting role. Sargent, who has been in good form at the club level, is looking to end his goal drought for the USMNT.
Defining Success: Expectations and Potential
Expectations for the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup are high, given that they are one of the host nations. Some analysts believe that a quarterfinal appearance is a realistic goal, while others argue that anything short of a knockout stage appearance would be a "massive failure".
Former USMNT player Taylor Twellman believes that the team's performance at the 2026 World Cup will significantly impact soccer's popularity in the United States. Reaching the quarterfinals could propel soccer to the forefront of the American sporting landscape.
However, it's important to consider the challenges the team faces. The USMNT has struggled with consistency and has not won a knockout round game in the World Cup since 2002. The team's performance in the summer of 2025, including a Gold Cup final loss to Mexico and a fourth-place finish in the CONCACAF Nations League, has raised concerns.
Despite these challenges, there is still optimism surrounding the team's potential. The USMNT has a talented pool of players, many of whom are playing in top leagues around the world. The upcoming friendlies provide an opportunity for the team to build confidence, develop tactical cohesion, and identify the players who can make a difference at the World Cup.
Ultimately, the bar for success at the 2026 World Cup will depend on several factors, including the team's performance in the lead-up to the tournament, the draw, and the overall level of competition. However, given the resources and the opportunity to play on home soil, the USMNT will be expected to make a significant impact and compete for a place in the later stages of the tournament. A strong showing would not only elevate the team's status but also boost the growth of soccer in the United States.
