USMNT Eyes 2026 World Cup Run as No. 16 Host Seeks Soccer Breakthrough

10 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · May 21

June 11 opens a home World Cup that U.S. soccer leaders hope can push the sport beyond niche status, with the men’s team seen as the clearest catalyst if it makes a meaningful run.
No. 16-ranked United States has a realistic path to the knockout stage against Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye, but expectations extend beyond merely advancing because the tournament is on home soil.
Mauricio Pochettino, hired in September 2024, enters his biggest international test after a mixed buildup that included lost regional finals in 2025 and March defeats to Belgium and Portugal.
Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Chris Richards and other Europe-based regulars give the U.S. one of its deepest talent pools, strengthening belief that this generation is better equipped than past squads.
A strong run could broaden interest in MLS and the wider domestic game ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, while failure would leave the World Cup’s U.S. boost more fleeting.

After the World Cup hype fades, can U.S. soccer sustain growth if its biggest stars remain absent from the domestic league?

Can America's European-based stars overcome recent stumbles and home-field pressure to finally achieve World Cup success?

Will the World Cup's massive cost to U.S. cities deliver a lasting soccer legacy or just a fleeting economic boost?