3 bold predictions for the USA ahead of the 2026 World Cup
Soccer has always been a niche sport in the United States, behind the likes of football, baseball, ice hockey, and basketball. However, co-hosting the World Cup this summer allows soccer to become mainstream in the country.
In order for this to happen, the USMNT will need to perform on the pitch. At least getting out of the group is a necessity for Mauricio Pochettino's side. The Stars and Stripes will also need heroes to inspire the nation. Here are three bold claims ahead of the World Cup.
3 bold predictions for the USA ahead of the 2026 World Cup
The USMNT will make the semi-finals
The USMNT is in a tough group for the World Cup. They face Turkey, Australia, and Paraguay. Turkey has a good squad, and is spearheaded by their talisman from Real Madrid, Arda Guler. Australia does not have the star names of the past, such as Tim Cahill, but could be a surprise package for the tournament. Paraguay also has some good players, such as Diego Gómez of Brighton & Hove Albion.
On paper, the USMNT has a very good squad with most of its outfield players at clubs in Europe's top five leagues. They also have the experienced Mauricio Pochettino as their head coach. Pochettino has managed big clubs including Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Tottenham Hotspur. He also played in the 2002 World Cup with Argentina.
Whilst results and performances have been mixed for the USMNT under Pochettino, none of this will matter if the Stars and Stripes have a good run at the World Cup. It would be crazy to think the USMNT could win it, but they do have the players to make it to the semi-finals.
Gio Reyna delivers redemption moment
Gio Reyna was the most controversial USMNT player at the 2022 World Cup. After being told he was going to have a supporting role at the tournament by Gregg Berhalter, he did not train well. There was then a lot of drama after the competition between Berhalter and Gio Reyna's parents.
This must have been very embarrassing for Reyna. It was during a difficult period when he was not playing regularly for Borussia Dortmund. He now plays for Borussia Monchengladbach, but has also continued to lack game time.
Despite this, Reyna has kept his place in the USMNT roster. He will need to turn it on at the World Cup this summer to make amends for his bad attitude at the last tournament. This could be by scoring a crucial goal or assist to take the USMNT out of the group, or to win a difficult knockout fixture.
Diego Luna becomes the surprise player of the tournament
Everyone will be expecting someone such as Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, or Weston McKennie to be the USMNT's star player. This is because they are at the top clubs in Europe. However, it would be remarkable if an MLS player became the main man for the Stars and Stripes.
Diego Luna of Real Salt Lake was a key player for the USMNT at the Gold Cup last year. He scored a brace against Guatemala to book the Stars and Stripes their place in the final. However, they went on to lose to Mexico.
Luna was not included in the recent USMNT roster. However, he has started this MLS season well. Pochettino has been willing to give MLS players a chance. Luna, with his tattoos and changing haircuts, can really grab the attention of a younger American fanbase. However, to do this, he must make the squad and surprise the world with his performances at the tournament.