Why the USMNT Might Be a Surprise Package this World Cup 2026?

The football world, beyond the usual league games and the coveted trophies of UEFA Champions League and Copa Libertadores, is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Once in four years, this highly prestigious event marks a part in footballing calendar in which teams collide, all for their national colours. This year, the event takes place across sixteen cities in USA, Canada and Mexico. While we witnessed Russia edge past the daunting Spanish national side in the 2018 squad purely due to their home advantage and wall-like defending to reach the quarter final, the US Men’s National Team or the USMNT has similar advantages.

We have known how the home advantage plays out in multiple occasions – the best example being the 1998 World Cup wherein we witnessed France led by Trezeguet, Henry and Zidane powering their way to the coveted trophy. Needless to say, USA would have the biggest advantage here. Despite being hosted by three countries, USA has the largest number of cities like Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, New York City, Houston etc.

Tactically, the USMNT has evolved by leaps and bounds compared to the first time they were on the world’s stage in 1994. No longer is the USA known for just calling football with a different name. This time, the results might be different. The team is led by veteran Christian Pulisic who has been AC Milan’s highest goal scorer in recent past despite one-dimensional criticisms of pundits. Talking about the front three, the USA has been lacking a clinical finisher at the ninth spot, which is now complete with the inclusion of Folarin Balogun – who has been remarkable in Ligue 1, powering AS Monaco to the Champions League every now and then. The final piece in the attacking trio would be Timothy Weah. More than just a successor of the legendary George Weah, the youngster provides raw strength despite being on the flanks.

Adding on the firepower, there is the powerhouse midfielder Weston McKennie who has proved himself as a dependable second choice in Juventus. There are also elements of surprise with the likes of Giovanni Reyna who offers creativity and vision in dire circumstances. There are other examples such as Johnny Cardoso of Real Betis and Mark Tillman of PSV Eindhoven who are known for their versatility on the field, with Cardoso being more on the physical and defensive side of things and Tillman being quick on the counterattack.

The Fulham FC duos of Tim Ream and Antony Robertson might appear fragile compared to their European and South American counterparts but the strategy of every such nation going as an underdog would be to have a strong defensive unit. As the team drops back, they would have a formidable and physical bus to park which might come across as a hurdle for the top guns. Plus, there is the example of Sergino Dest who is also quick on his right-back role, ready for a counterattack. On the goalkeeping front, there are the options of Matt Turner of Nottingham Forest FC who is rising among the ranks and the experienced Sean Johnson who would offer plenty of knowledge given his usual presence in the home grounds.

All in all, the USMNT offers a physical side that can move about in set pieces and might be a deadly thorn if they decide to park the bus with brute force. Coaching woes have always haunted the USMNT. While they were under the management of Gregg Berhalter, they did bring about a vision and a particular identity but this identity wouldn’t translate to any greatness. This time, despite the ups and downs, they have a tried-and-tested Mauricio Pochettino who has achieved plenty of accolades at the highest level of football. This proves that the USA is not there just to invite and be a participating team, they do mean business once they are qualified.