With just one year left until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the USMNT is under intense scrutiny. As co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico, the pressure is mounting for the team to deliver a performance that will captivate the nation and elevate the sport of soccer in the United States. However, recent performances have raised serious concerns about their readiness.

Recent Struggles and Performance Issues

The past 12 months have been far from ideal for the USMNT. A disappointing group stage exit at the Copa América and a fourth-place finish in the Concacaf Nations League have highlighted the team's struggles. The sacking of manager Gregg Berhalter and the subsequent appointment of Mauricio Pochettino have not yet yielded the desired turnaround. The team is currently on a four-game losing streak at home, a record not seen since 1988.

Challenges Facing the Team

1. Player Commitment: There is a growing perception that some players are not fully committed to the national team, prioritizing their club commitments over international duties.
2. Injuries and Fatigue: The Gold Cup was supposed to be a platform for the team to gel and improve, but injuries and club commitments have sidelined key players, leaving Pochettino with a patchwork roster.
3. Lack of Depth: The recent 4-0 defeat to Switzerland has exposed the lack of depth in the USMNT player pool, raising questions about the team's ability to compete at the highest level.

The Road Ahead

Despite these challenges, there is still time for the USMNT to turn things around. Pochettino will have four international windows before the World Cup to build chemistry and finalize his starting lineup. However, the team must address the following key areas:

• Goalkeeping: With Matt Turner struggling for form and playing time, the door is open for other goalkeepers to step up, but none have yet made a compelling case.
• Defense: The center-back pairing remains a concern, with Tim Ream still a starter at 37, indicating a lack of progress from younger players.
• Attack: The forward line lacks a consistent goal scorer, with Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi both struggling with injuries and form.

Conclusion

The next 12 months will be crucial for the USMNT. While there are significant challenges to overcome, the team has the potential to rise to the occasion and make a strong showing at the World Cup. However, it will require a collective effort from both the players and the coaching staff to turn the tide and build momentum heading into the tournament.