With just a year left before the United States co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, what should have been a moment of excitement is quickly turning into a nightmare. The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) was supposed to showcase its long-promised “golden generation” and elevate soccer in America. Instead, it’s looking lost, lifeless, and dangerously off-track.
The latest blow? A humiliating 4-0 defeat to Switzerland in Nashville, a match that had fans booing by halftime and the squad looking broken by full-time. For a team that was meant to inspire, the USMNT appears rudderless. And for Mauricio Pochettino, the high-profile head coach brought in to lead this revolution, the pressure is reaching boiling point.
The Pochettino Project: Hype or Hiccup?
When Pochettino was announced as head coach in September 2024, it was seen as a bold move. The Argentine had a reputation for building strong teams, notably leading Tottenham Hotspur to the Champions League final in 2019. But nearly a year into his USMNT tenure, things are not going to plan. His record stands at a lackluster 5 wins and 5 losses.
His selections against Switzerland raised eyebrows and then alarms. Starting two MLS youngsters in defense and midfield, including Nathan Harriel and Quinn Sullivan, backfired spectacularly. By the 36th minute, the U.S. was down 4-0. Pochettino admitted the mistake, saying, “It was my decision, and it didn’t work.”
Yet this admission won’t satisfy critics who feel the national team’s identity is missing and that its tactics lack clarity. Former U.S. coach Bruce Arena and striker Clint Dempsey have both publicly voiced concerns. Arena even questioned whether Pochettino, who has no experience in American soccer culture, is the right fit.
Excuses or Reality?
Defenders of Pochettino point to the absence of star players. Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tim Weah were all unavailable due to fatigue or club commitments. Sergiño Dest pulled out to focus on injury recovery. The result? A team of backups and debutants getting overwhelmed by superior opposition.
But is that enough of an excuse? The U.S. has now gone winless in eight straight matches against European teams. A four-game losing streak heading into the CONCACAF Gold Cup is hardly the form of a serious World Cup contender.
Pochettino’s response? He’s framed the situation as a challenge of limited time and lack of squad continuity. But with every loss, that explanation begins to sound more like a deflection.
Gold Cup: A Last Chance to Reignite Hope?
Next up is the Gold Cup, starting with a match against Trinidad and Tobago. With Saudi Arabia and Haiti also in the group, it’s a winnable setup on paper. But the U.S. will once again be without many of its key players.
The expectations? Nothing short of a run to the final. Anything less, and the already loud voices of doubt may become deafening.
The biggest concern isn’t just the scoreboard. It’s the vibe. Former USMNT defender Alexi Lalas has warned of “apathy” creeping into the fanbase. What was supposed to be the most exciting era in U.S. soccer now feels like a missed opportunity in the making.
Time Is Running Out
There’s still one year left to fix the system, find chemistry, and build momentum. But right now, it’s hard to know what this team stands for. The lineups are unpredictable, the tactics inconsistent, and the passion from both players and fans is fading.
If the USMNT doesn’t start finding answers and fast, what should have been a celebration of American soccer on home soil could turn into a very public collapse.