Tony Meola reflects on the pressure of competing in front of home fans during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, where the U.S. national team not only aimed to win but also promote soccer in the U.S. Despite exiting the tournament in the knockout stage against Brazil, the team significantly increased interest in the sport. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Meola expresses skepticism about the current team’s readiness, noting the presence of unresolved questions regarding their capabilities. His concerns are echoed by former players and analysts, who feel the U.S. has not solidified its standing among elite soccer nations.
The upcoming World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, presents an opportunity for the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) to showcase its potential, especially with a “Golden Generation” of young players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie now gaining crucial experience in European leagues. However, the team still lacks a standout victory and struggled in recent competitions, including failing to advance past the group stage in the 2024 Copa América.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who has a distinguished coaching background, is tasked with maximizing this talent. His mixed results and the unsettled goalkeeper position further compound uncertainties. Key decisions on player selection and live performance will happen in the year leading to the World Cup, with a final roster due ten days before the tournament.
Despite the growing talent pool, analysts express a sense of apathy regarding the program’s direction and its ability to compete at the highest levels. U.S. Soccer’s technical director, Matt Crocker, acknowledges external doubts but emphasizes the team’s responsibility to improve and perform effectively, shifting focus inward to control their narrative leading up to the tournament.
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