With just one year remaining until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the Gold Cup about to begin, the U.S. Men`s National Team faces another tournament entry after a significant loss. Their recent form includes an early exit from last year`s Copa America group stage. A year on, despite a new head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, the team`s performance remains concerning as the World Cup approaches.
Pochettino was missing key players like Christian Pulisic (rest), Tyler Adams (injury), and others due to club commitments and injuries. However, even with some top players present, the USMNT has struggled against regional Concacaf opponents, notably losing to Panama and Canada in the recent Concacaf Nations League.
Initial Optimism Fades
The initial optimism surrounding the appointment of the accomplished Argentine manager has faded. It`s been replaced by former players criticizing current ones and widespread concern about the team`s ability to perform at a home World Cup. The 2026 tournament will be a celebration of soccer, and while the USMNT automatically qualifies as hosts, their group stage progression is far from guaranteed. A difficult draw, potentially including a strong team from a lower pot like Italy, could make advancing challenging. Conversely, with 32 out of 48 teams progressing from the group stage in the expanded format, failing to qualify would be a complete disaster.
Here`s what to know about the current situation:
Different Coach, Persistent Problems
In 10 matches under Pochettino, the USMNT holds a 5-5 record, scoring 15 goals and conceding 14. The last four matches have been particularly poor, resulting in four losses, only three goals scored, and nine conceded. For comparison, Gregg Berhalter`s entire tenure saw only 17 losses over 74 matches. While Pochettino`s side has faced tough opponents (losing to top 30 teams like Turkiye and Switzerland), playing strong teams isn`t enough without showing improvement. The lack of defensive effort, especially on Switzerland`s goals, was evident even with an inexperienced squad. Pochettino accepted blame, but fundamental player errors – tackles, saves, preventing follow-ups – are the responsibility of the players and unacceptable with the World Cup approaching.
Limited Time for Improvement
First-team regulars will return, offering a chance to stabilize the team. However, with only four international windows left before Pochettino must finalize his squad, time is running out. Key issues like the starting striker and goalkeeper spots remain unresolved. Even success in the upcoming Gold Cup won`t fully address concerns raised by performances against top opposition. The team`s potential ceiling appears to be repeating the 2022 World Cup result: advancing from the group but exiting in the Round of 16.
Meg Kane, CEO of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, a host city organizer, believes the USMNT`s current form won`t diminish the excitement of the World Cup being held in the United States. However, fans hoping to support the team deep into the tournament might need to lower expectations. Kane stated, “I don’t think that the current state of the U.S. men’s national team takes away from the excitement or enthusiasm about this… The fact is that when the World Cup starts, every fan is in it with their team, ride or die, and I think that Americans will be the way with the U.S. men’s national team just like they are with the women’s national team.”
While Kane is correct about fan passion, there`s a significant difference in current standing between the men`s and women`s teams. The USWNT is a global powerhouse with multiple World Cup and Olympic titles, whereas the USMNT currently struggles to compete consistently with the world`s elite. Fundamental issues like youth development require long-term solutions beyond a single year. Since the 2022 World Cup, insufficient progress has been made to suggest this team can realistically advance beyond the Round of 16.
A highly favorable draw might allow the USMNT to reach the quarterfinals, but recent performances haven`t indicated they are even a top 30 global team, offering little reason to expect them to advance from their group. Time to address these issues is rapidly dwindling. Upcoming September friendlies against South Korea and Japan, hopefully with the full-strength squad, present an opportunity for a statement win. However, if the struggles seen this summer continue, expectations for the team will justifiably keep falling.
