What Are the Odds the USMNT Makes the World Cup?
The U.S. Men's National Team has had a complicated and often frustrating journey on the international stage. With what often feels like a never-ending cycle of periods of underperformance despite moments of promise. The team's overall performance in major international competitions like the CONCACAF Gold Cup has frequently been below expectations. This isn’t exactly new for the USMNT, but fans are often left wondering how nothing seems to change. Although the World Cup is set for 2026, it is time for the national teams across the world to dial in and fine-tune. Unfortunately, many have their doubts about the USMNT making it to the World Cup. The race for a spot is far from over, but will they have a chance?
The team's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup was a wake-up call for the U.S. The loss to Trinidad and Tobago in the final game of qualification was a crushing blow, showing just how far the team still had to go to compete. That failure exposed many of the issues that had been lingering for years: poor tactical preparation, lack of leadership, and inconsistent performances at critical moments. The global game has evolved, and teams now employ advanced tactical setups to gain a competitive edge. The USMNT has been slow to adapt to these changes in certain areas, and while the team has taken strides in modernizing its approach, it has often been playing catch-up with the more established soccer nations.
In comparison to powerhouse nations like Brazil, Germany, and Argentina, the U.S. has often lacked the same level of technical skill, tactical awareness, and creativity. The U.S. produces a lot of hardworking players, but has struggled to develop the type of skillful, technical playmakers that we see from other teams. This gap has been evident in high-pressure international matches. Mauricio Pochettino, as the new head coach, brings experience, tactical knowledge, and a proven track record of success. One of Pochettino's greatest strengths is his ability to implement a clear tactical system. At clubs like Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Paris Saint-Germain, Pochettino built teams that are well-organized defensively while maintaining an attacking style. His tactical approach is built on high pressing, quick transitions, and fluid attacking football. For the USMNT, this could mean a more structured and disciplined team. The USMNT has had some success with pressing in recent years, but Pochettino could take this to the next level by instilling a more systematic and aggressive pressing game.
The USMNT is currently facing some challenges in its 2025 season. In the CONCACAF Nations League, the team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Panama in the semifinals, with Cecilio Waterman's stoppage-time goal ending their hopes for a fourth consecutive title. In the third-place match, the USMNT lost 2-1 to Canada. Goals from Tani Oluwaseyi and Jonathan David secured Canada's victory. These results have raised concerns about the team's performance under new coach Mauricio Pochettino, especially after their early exit from the Nations League. The upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup in June 2025 will be a crucial opportunity for the USMNT to regain momentum and rebuild confidence.
While there is still time for the USMNT to pick up the slack and turn some things around, things aren’t looking great. There’s no doubt that the team is hard at work, but something is missing. If they want any shot at making it to the World Cup, the team needs to get its act together. They have the work ethic and dedication, but now they need to hone in on their technicality and playmaking. The disappointing cycle doesn’t need to repeat itself, but it will if nothing changes. The World Cup is still in reach, but do they have what it takes?
