USMNT: Ready for the 2026 World Cup? Concerns and challenges in a year.

United States One Year Away From the World Cup: Will They Recover?

Just one year away from the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the United States men’s national soccer team prepares for its debut at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. As co-hosts of the tournament, along with Canada and Mexico, the USMNT faces a golden opportunity to consolidate its progress on the world’s most important football stage. Expectations are high, and the team is expected to be in top form, with a solid foundation, a defined playing style, and the confidence needed to compete. However, is the USMNT up to these expectations? The answer, unfortunately, is no. The last twelve months have been a clear warning sign. The elimination in the group stage of the Copa América and the fourth place in the Concacaf Nations League, with home defeats against Panama and Canada, are just a few examples. The situation worsened with the dismissal of coach Gregg Berhalter, replaced by Mauricio Pochettino, who has yet to reverse the situation. The USMNT is going through a streak of four consecutive home defeats, something that hadn’t happened since 1988. Added to this is the absence of several key figures for different reasons, which has generated concern among fans. The good news is that the team has a year to prepare. But the warning signs are evident and raise doubts about their performance in the tournament. Instead of being at their best, the team seems to lack momentum. There is a perception that some players are not committed to the USMNT. This summer’s Gold Cup promised to be an opportunity to solve problems, but the combination of fatigue, injuries, and commitments to clubs has left the team without several of its stars. Former USMNT forward and Alofoke Deportes analyst, Herculez Gómez, highlights the uncertainty in the starting lineup and the lack of “important matches” that don’t include Mexico, seeking positive aspects that have not yet materialized.

The FIFA Club World Cup has also not favored the USMNT, preventing the participation of Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Gio Reyna in the Gold Cup. Added to this are the absences of Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, Folarin Balogun, and Sergiño Dest, which has generated great concern. Pochettino is now in charge of a team with young players, and the results have not been as expected, as demonstrated by the 4-0 defeat against Switzerland. In September, the coach will bring together the starting team to begin building the chemistry needed for the World Cup.

The coach has no idea who the starting players are.

Kasey Keller

The lack of commitment and low performance are concerning. Chris Richards expressed his disappointment after the defeat against Turkey, reflecting the lack of motivation in some players.

The absence of World Cup qualifying matches, which force teams to compete at the highest level, has also affected the USMNT. The lack of internal competition and the feeling that some players have their place secured have generated complacency. The situation in the goal is also a problem, with Matt Turner struggling for minutes at his club. The alternatives have also not convinced, which raises doubts about the team’s ability in this position. The central defense also presents problems, with players like Tim Ream, Chris Richards, Mark McKenzie, and Miles Robinson showing inconsistency in their performance. Regarding the forwards, the hope that Folarin Balogun would regain his form has not materialized. Pochettino has had to resort to players from the MLS, and none have managed to stand out.

Nobody has seized the opportunity to take the position.

Herculez Gomez

The question is whether Pochettino will be able to reverse the situation before the World Cup. To do this, the team needs to improve in terms of injuries, for the young players to put pressure on the starters, and for Pochettino to connect with the players. Time is running out, and the margin for maneuver is getting smaller. There are 365 days until the start.