The U.S. Men’s National Team is currently in a critical period of their soccer journey. With the World Cup set to be hosted on home soil in 2026, there is a sense of urgency to make the most of the present moment. For seven long years, the team has been waiting for their golden generation to reach its full potential. Now, it’s no longer about incremental advancements, but about winning trophies.
This summer, the USMNT has a rare opportunity to host South American opposition and compete for a meaningful trophy. The team is determined to make the most of this chance and prove themselves on a global stage. However, there is no next year for the USMNT. Their best shots at a trophy are now and in two summers, after which their prime will be in the rearview mirror.
Belgium and Croatia serve as examples of golden generations that made significant strides but ultimately fell short of winning a major tournament. The USMNT doesn’t want to follow in their footsteps. There aren’t many opportunities to win trophies in international soccer, so it’s crucial to seize the ones that come along.
With the expectation of success at this Copa America on home soil, there is a mix of excitement and nervousness among fans. The team boasts an impressive roster, with players from Europe’s top leagues. However, talent alone will not guarantee success. The team needs to deliver results on the field.
Alexi Lalas, a former member of the national team and current lead analyst for Fox Sports, highlights that the USMNT has yet to surpass past achievements. The last step to becoming elite is often the most challenging, and expectations are high for this team. It’s not just the players on the field who are going through this pressure; fans and analysts are as well.
Reflecting on the previous World Cup in Qatar, the USMNT showed glimpses of brilliance but also inconsistency. They drew with England, a top-tier team, but struggled against weaker opponents like Iran. Ultimately, they fell short in the round of 16 against the Netherlands. It was a decent performance, but one that left fans wanting more.
The fallout surrounding Gio Reyna, his parents, and coach Gregg Berhalter added to the drama. Despite controversy, Berhalter has been given another chance to lead the team. The core of the squad remains intact, with players like Pulisic, McKennie, Adams, and Reyna playing key roles. However, there is a sense that Berhalter’s future as coach depends on the team’s performance against top-tier opponents.
As the Copa America kicks off, the question arises: what does success look like for the USMNT in this tournament? Maurice Edu, another former national team member and Fox analyst, believes it’s time to set the bar higher. Winning the tournament should be the ultimate goal, and the team needs to adopt a mindset that reflects this ambition.
Ultimately, success for the USMNT is about meeting that bar and not spending the next two years wondering if this group will ever reach its full potential. The time is now to prove themselves and make a statement on the international stage. With the World Cup approaching in 2026, there is no better time to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in world soccer.
