With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just a year away, expectations for the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) are at an all-time high. The country is co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, and many hoped this would mark a transformative moment for men’s soccer in America. But a series of poor performances, culminating in a 4-0 thrashing by Switzerland, has raised alarming questions about the team’s readiness, leadership, and direction.
A dream year begins with a nightmare
June 2025 was supposed to be the beginning of a triumphant countdown for U.S. Soccer. With state-of-the-art stadiums, a growing domestic league, and a generation of European-based stars, the foundations seemed solid. But the harsh reality is setting in. On Tuesday night in Nashville, the USMNT collapsed in spectacular fashion, losing 4-0 to Switzerland in a friendly that felt anything but friendly. The game was effectively over after just 36 minutes, with boos echoing around Geodis Park as the home team failed to register a meaningful response.
Switzerland, though a strong European side, is not considered among the global elite. But the ease with which they dismantled the U.S. defense underscored just how unprepared this American squad looks against world-class competition. The result extended the U.S. losing streak to four games and made it eight consecutive winless matches against European opponents.
Pochettino under pressure
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took over the national team in September 2024, was quick to take responsibility for the performance. With several first-time starters, including defender Nathan Harriel and midfielder Quinn Sullivan, the Argentine admitted his lineup choices had backfired.
“It was my decision, and that decision didn’t work,” Pochettino said post-match. “When that doesn’t work, you need to criticize yourself.” Five halftime substitutions helped stabilize the game, but it was too little, too late—Switzerland had already shifted to cruise control. Pochettino’s appointment was hailed as a bold move. Known for his work with young talent and long-term project building—especially at Tottenham Hotspur—his presence was seen as a signal of ambition from U.S. Soccer. But nine months in, his record stands at 5 wins and 5 losses, with troubling performances against Panama and now Switzerland dampening early optimism.
Critics speak out
The backlash has been swift and sharp. Clint Dempsey, former USMNT star, told CNN Sports back in April that he was “a six or seven” on the concern scale. Since then, the alarm has only grown louder. Legendary coach Bruce Arena, the most successful manager in U.S. soccer history, has questioned whether Pochettino truly understands the unique demands of the American soccer system.
“I’m sure our coach is a very good coach, but coaching international football is different than club football,” Arena said. “It’s a completely different job.” While Pochettino insists there is enough time to build cohesion, critics argue that a team this close to a World Cup should not still be experimenting with identity and tactics.
The Gold Cup as a lifeline
Next on the calendar is the CONCACAF Gold Cup, beginning Sunday with a match against Trinidad and Tobago. Historically, the Gold Cup has offered the USMNT a platform to build momentum and fan excitement. But heading into the tournament, the team’s morale is low, and the roster is depleted.
Christian Pulisic, the squad’s most recognized name, is out due to fatigue. Weston McKennie and Tim Weah are unavailable while on duty with Juventus at the Club World Cup, and Sergiño Dest has withdrawn to recover from an ACL injury. This leaves the team facing crucial preparation games without key figures who will likely start the World Cup opener next year. Pochettino acknowledged the difficulties of squad rotation and preparation, lamenting the lack of time he has had with a full-strength team. “It’s a massive challenge,” he said. “It’s difficult to have continuity and balance.”
Time is running out
Twelve months is a long time in soccer, but it’s also alarmingly short when cohesion is lacking. The 2022 World Cup build-up offered examples of rapid improvement—the U.S. beat Morocco 3-0 six months before Morocco went on to reach the semifinals in Qatar. Yet such examples are the exception, not the rule.
The weight of expectation for a host nation is immense. For the U.S., the 2026 World Cup was supposed to be a breakout moment on home soil, akin to what Japan experienced in 2002 or what Germany harnessed in 2006. But without a clear system, consistent results, or a fully fit and engaged core squad, the dream is becoming increasingly fragile. There’s still time for course correction. A deep run in the Gold Cup might ease the pressure and rebuild trust in Pochettino’s vision. But failure to do so will only intensify doubts—and by then, time may be too short to fix what’s broken. The next 12 months will determine whether this generation of U.S. players lives up to its potential or becomes a cautionary tale in the history of American soccer.
