Significant uncertainties surround the future of the U.S. men’s national soccer team. With Mauricio Pochettino’s contract nearing its end and U.S. Soccer extending an offer for renewal, both parties are taking their time to decide. Additionally, Matt Crocker’s unexpected departure as sporting director to accept a similar role in Saudi Arabia prior to the upcoming World Cup raises further questions about the trajectory of soccer in the United States. As the core of the 2026 squad remains a solid contender for 2030, the next four years will be crucial.
Each year ahead presents a major tournament that the U.S. must leverage to clarify its objectives and strategies.
2027: Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup
The United States will return to regional competition, aiming to maintain its momentum. The Nations League is set to commence in September, although the U.S. is likely to start its campaign in November, benefiting from a bye to the quarter-finals as one of the top four teams in the region. The semi-finals and final are scheduled for March 2027.
Having previously won the first three Nations Leagues, the U.S. fell short of the finals in 2025, suffering defeats against Panama and Canada in the subsequent matches. The upcoming edition provides an opportunity to demonstrate that their recent strong performance is not merely a fluke but rather the establishment of a new standard of entertaining and effective soccer.
The Gold Cup will also take place in the summer, traditionally serving as a platform for evaluating players on the cusp of the main team. Following the disappointment of missing the previous World Cup in 2019, the U.S. made a strong comeback by introducing Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie in the tournament. Pochettino’s tenure saw the integration of players like Malik Tillman, Sebastian Berhalter, Alex Freeman, and Matt Freese into the squad.
Players who narrowly missed out on Pochettino’s roster, including Aidan Morris, Diego Luna, Tanner Tessmann, and the injured Patrick Agyemang, will see the Gold Cup as a chance to cement their status within the team. Meanwhile, younger players eager to make their mark, such as Zavier Gozo, Niko Tsakiris, Adri Mehmeti, and Julian Hall, will also strive to secure their spots.
Goalkeeper remains a critical position to monitor. Despite having participated in a Gold Cup, Freese appeared inexperienced this summer and struggled during the match against Belgium. With Matt Turner turning 32 in June, the opportunity for new contenders is wide open. Establishing a reliable goalkeeper by next summer would provide essential experience and cohesion for the team.
The U.S. will also commence World Cup qualifying in November 2027, joining the second round alongside other top-ranked teams. They will be the top seed in a group of four, where finishing in the top two (with matches scheduled for November and March 2028) secures their progression to the final round. There should be no excuses for failing to advance at this stage.
2028: Copa América and Los Angeles Olympics
The Copa América is tentatively planned for 2028, although there is no official confirmation that Conmebol will hold its premier tournament in the U.S. for a second consecutive time. Brazilian outlet O Globo reported that the tournaments in 2024 and 2028 were awarded simultaneously, allowing the U.S. and other Concacaf nations to secure spots in the tournament even if it takes place in South America.
This competition, more prestigious than the Gold Cup, would serve as a crucial mid-cycle assessment for the team. It will be a key moment for the starters to prove their worth as the team prepares for the final stretch of World Cup qualifying. Players approaching their 30s must be particularly sharp, as younger alternatives will be eager to claim their positions.
Additionally, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will take place on home soil, featuring soccer held across various MLS stadiums. This tournament will primarily consist of under-23 teams, with the option for each squad to include three over-age players.
One should never underestimate Olympic soccer. At the Paris 2024 Games, although no World Cup starters were identified, Tessmann’s performance as captain led the team to the quarter-finals and significantly boosted his profile. The upcoming Olympics could provide an even greater opportunity to showcase emerging talent, especially as the program prepares for a potential generational shift after the 2030 World Cup.
2029: Concacaf Qualifying, Nations League, and Gold Cup
The approach for both the Nations League and Gold Cup will remain consistent: to play in a manner akin to the A-team while evaluating additional rotational or fringe players.
Qualifying will become particularly intriguing, assuming the U.S. avoids a historic setback in the second round. Following 2028, the coach will have the opportunity to analyze recent performances from a pool of 46 players: 26 from Copa América and 20 younger candidates from the Olympics. This expansive roster will be beneficial as players navigate qualifying windows affected by injuries and form.
Qualifying is always a tense affair globally, but careful planning throughout the entire cycle can instill confidence. By the end of 2027, a clear team style and goalkeeper clarity should be established. The Copa will offer a critical evaluation of the A-team, while the Olympics will help season the next generation of players. Successful qualifying efforts in 2029 will refine team combinations and chemistry.
After a cycle that lacked essential evaluative moments, the U.S. has the opportunity to build momentum leading into the 2030 World Cup. The onus is on the program to make strategic decisions regarding coaching and possibly in management to ensure a strong start.
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