The USMNT’s Resurgence: Detailed Analysis After the October Window
A little over a month ago, the United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT) seemed to be in a moment of uncertainty. The results were not favorable, individual performances generated few expectations, and internal competition seemed more like a wish than a reality. However, after the October window, the panorama has changed radically.
The team has experienced notable progress in its preparation for the next World Cup. The team’s momentum has never been so high in this cycle, and although the bar was low, the evolution is undeniable. The results have improved, with the USMNT undefeated in its last three matches, including two victories against teams qualified for the World Cup. Most importantly is the intense competition for a place on the field.
Competence Across All Lines
In the forward position, Haji Wright has emerged as a direct competitor for Folarin Balogun, although the latter maintains a slight advantage to secure a starting position. The midfield, although it seems like a puzzle, is actually a positive sign. Players like Tanner Tessmann, Aidan Morris, and Cristian Roldan, the latter showing late growth, seem capable of contributing on the most important stage.
The attackers playing behind the center forward are also competing for a place. Weston McKennie seems to have regained his form after being sidelined in September. Diego Luna reminded everyone why he is a coach’s favorite with his energy and incisive play. Malik Tillman also proved his worth against Ecuador.
The defense, with the help of a 3-4-3 system at times, seems more stable than in the defeat against South Korea. However, despite the progress, the October window left something to be desired in some aspects.
Absences and Challenges
Christian Pulisic had a limited role, playing only 45 minutes due to an ankle injury and hamstring problems. Tillman was unable to play against Australia due to a similar injury. Alejandro Zendejas, one of the figures of September, was absent due to a knee injury. Antonee Robinson, whose return after knee surgery was highly anticipated, was unable to play due to a prolonged recovery.
In addition to this, there are absences of players like Tyler Adams, Ricardo Pepi, and Johnny Cardoso, the latter two due to injury. The lack of key players and problems at the start of matches are areas for improvement.After almost a year of difficulties, Mauricio Pochettino seems to have gotten the USMNT to adapt to his program.Getting all of the best players from the United States on the field at the same time remains a difficult goal, and there aren’t many more opportunities to see what that looks like before the start of the World Cup.
The positive aspect is that, despite these absences, the United States was able to get results and, for the most part, play well. The competitiveness within the team has also reached a point where those who were absent, in addition to Adams and perhaps Robinson, have dropped in the ranking and run the risk of being left behind.
More difficult to overlook is the USMNT’s exasperating habit of starting slow, which has resulted in conceding the first goal, something that has happened seven times in 16 matches in 2025, as was the case in this window against Ecuador and Australia. Even aside from the goal against the Socceroos, the USMNT seemed bewildered by Australia’s high defensive line. The United States recovered in both matches, and even managed a comeback victory against the Socceroos, the first comeback victory of the Pochettino era.
The United States coach alluded to the “good and not so good” of the team’s comeback ability. When the World Cup really begins in June, the Americans cannot afford to make the kind of defensive errors that led them to fall behind in these matches.
But the USMNT’s determination, often suspect in this cycle, now seems to have more solidity. Pochettino noted that “it’s no coincidence” that the United States recorded a comeback victory now that the team’s culture is in a better place. “Culture” has long been one of those imprecise and soft words that are thrown around a lot to explain both successes and failures, but when Pochettino talks about it, the image that conjures in the mind is more like barbed wire than a soft pillow. There is steel behind his words and actions.
The US coach’s message seems to have been received loud and clear by the players, with McKennie among those who have taken it most seriously. The Juventus midfielder was active in both matches and, against Ecuador, seemed especially adept at finding Balogun behind the defense. The question now is whether he will face players like Tillman and Zendejas to keep his place on the field as an attacking midfielder. McKennie at his best would be difficult to displace from the lineup.
That is the kind of battle that adds a lot of intrigue to the November window, which will include matches against Paraguay and Uruguay. The battle for the two double pivot positions in midfield will also be intense, as will the starting striker position.
Health will play a role in determining who goes up and who goes down. No team arrives at a World Cup completely free of injuries. There are always players who are missed. All the more reason for the sight of the interpreters who step up, whether Roldan, Luna or Wright, to be encouraging.
Now the United States is once again on an upward trajectory. The upcoming World Cup, which was previously viewed with a certain level of fear, is once again generating enthusiasm. There is a greater feeling that this team can make the country proud.
Credit to Pochettino for the change, although he knows better than anyone that there is still work to be done.
