USMNT Faces Issues Ahead of 2026 World Cup Amidst Losing Streak

Inglewood, California — A year before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) is struggling to prepare for the tournament, which they will co-host with Canada and Mexico. After exiting the group stage of last year’s tournament and finishing fourth in the CONCACAF Nations League, the team’s performance has not met expectations.

Coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took over from Gregg Berhalter, faces significant challenges, with the USMNT currently on a four-game losing streak at home. This marks the first time the team has lost four consecutive games at home since 1988, raising questions about their readiness for the upcoming World Cup.

A lack of cohesion and commitment has been evident within the squad, with players reportedly more focused on club commitments than national duties. Captain Tyler Adams expressed concerns that some players are not giving their all for the national team, leading to performances lacking intensity.

This summer’s Gold Cup was seen as an opportunity to rectify issues within the team, but injuries and player absences have left them with a diminished roster. Key players like Weston McKennie opted out to recover from a grueling season, while defenders were sidelined due to injuries.

Former USMNT forward Herculez Gomez pointed out the uncertainty in key positions and the need for players to compete for their spots, citing a lack of urgency among some players. Kasey Keller, another former international and current analyst, highlighted the difficulty of assessing player fitness and performance without competitive matches to create pressure.

The USMNT’s current situation appears dire, with a patchwork roster struggling to find their footing in the Gold Cup. As the tournament progresses, the team must find a way to build chemistry and address the lingering doubts about their capabilities as they approach next year’s World Cup.

With only 365 days remaining until they take the field at the World Cup, the need for improvement is critical for the USMNT as they aim to leave a mark on home soil.