The World Cup is about to get underway, and after missing the 2018 edition, the U.S. Men’s National Team is making its return with a new generation of players hungry to prove they belong on the main stage.
A lot of Americans may not follow soccer at all, or maybe just every four years simply because the World Cup is the greatest sporting event on the planet (and there's no better excuse to hit a bar at 2 p.m. on a Monday). And even if you say you “hate” soccer, it’s worth giving it a try, especially with this up-and-coming team.
But there are plenty of USMNT diehards out there, and they’ll tell you the excitement for this World Cup has been brewing for years. Here’s a crash course for the casual American sports fan. Already a USMNT fan and trying to get your friends into soccer this fall? Send this their way.
A brief history of the USMNT
While the U.S. placed third in the inaugural 1930 World Cup and beat mighty England in 1950, the USMNT’s history really begins in the early 1990s. After making their first World Cup appearance in four decades at Italy 1990 (three losses and out), the USA played host to the ‘94 edition, which led to the launch of Major League Soccer.
The country’s best showing undoubtedly came in 2002 when a young Landon Donovan and Co. beat rival Mexico in the Round of 16, 2-0, and reached the quarters, coming up just short against Germany on a controversial uncalled handball. That tournament would inspire a generation of American soccer players and fans.
After making back-to-back trips to the knockout stage in 2010 and 2014 – thanks to epic late group-stage game-winners both times – and bowing out in the Round of 16 in extra time, disaster struck as the team failed to qualify for Russia 2018.
October 10, 2017 in Trinidad & Tobago was a true low point in program history that ushered in a new generation of players – one some are calling the “golden generation,” rife with promising, young talent already breaking into some of Europe’s biggest clubs and leagues.
How did this team get here?
After the failure of the 2018 cycle, the US Soccer Federation brought in Gregg Berhalter (under questionable circumstances) to lead the new era. It took a while to get the gears turning, but the USMNT had a coming out party in the summer of 2021, winning the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup finals in two extra-time classics against Mexico.
That hype officially launched the World Cup Qualifying campaign last September, one that would see lots of highs and lows, and endless roster debates on social media.
While a handful of bad results held this team down through some of qualifying, in the end the US qualified directly, finishing 3rd in the CONCACAF region behind Canada and Mexico, and just ahead of Costa Rica on goal difference. It wasn’t pretty at times, but the months-long battle was good enough to get to Qatar.
While thrilling wins over Mexico and Jamaica were the biggest highlights of the campaign – along with a 5-1 win over Panama in the penultimate qualifier that all but sealed qualification – ugly losses at Canada, Panama and Costa Rica were surely the exact opposite.
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Who scored the goals in qualifying?
Christian Pulisic - 5
Ricardo Pepi - 3
Brenden Aaronson, Weston McKennie, Antonee Robinson - 2
Sergiño Dest, Tim Weah, Jesus Ferreira, Paul Arriola, Walker Zimmerman, Sebastian Lletget - 1
Here’s a look at some of the best goals in the qualifying campaign (see them all here):
Pulisic caps a hat trick with a beauty in the box, all but sealing a spot in Qatar
Pulisic comes on against Mexico for a header, McKennie ices it
Dest fires home a top-shelf golazo to knot things up with Costa Rica
Antonee Robinson flips out after scoring the opener in frigid Minnesota
So, who’s who on this team?
The USMNT has some big-time names on the World Cup roster (released on Wednesday), playing at some massive clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal in the English Premier League, Juventus and AC Milan in Italy’s Serie A and Borussia Dortmund in the German Bundesliga.
But there’s plenty of American talent spread across Europe, as well as a few key guys playing domestically in MLS.
Here’s a quick look at some of the biggest names on the team.
Christian Pulisic, Forward – Chelsea – This is probably the most recognizable name on the team. Having broken into Europe at just 17, he’s something of a veteran now, even at only 24. “Captain America,” as he’s known, has long been viewed as the great hope of American soccer.
Gio Reyna, Forward/Midfielder – Borussia Dortmund – If Pulisic is seen as the biggest talent on this team, this soon-to-be 20-year-old is hot on his heels. The kid is electric. When he’s healthy, the sky’s the limit.
Tyler Adams, Defensive Midfielder – Leeds United – He’s the engine that makes this team go. Adams may not score many goals, but he puts out fires defensively and his ability to move the ball forward is quickly improving in the EPL. His grit will win over a lot of fans.
Brenden Aaronson, Midfielder/Forward – Leeds United – He also has a non-stop motor like his Leeds teammate, but uses it in more of an offensive/pressing role. He’s a little Energizer Bunny.
Weston McKennie, Midfielder – Juventus – Also a “veteran” of the team at 24, McKennie is a big threat in the air and a wizard on the ball in tight spaces. He even comes complete with a “Harry Potter” celebration.
Sergiño Dest, Right Back – AC Milan – If you’re new to soccer, you may not be apt to think a defender is one of the most exciting players on the pitch. Watch this kid fly up the wings and join the attack, and that perception will change.
Antonee Robinson, Left Back – Fulham – See above. Also, he prefers to be called Jedi.
Tim Weah, Forward – LOSC Lille – Weah is still trying to regain his form after making his way back from an injury, but when he gets it going he loves to take on defenders on the dribble and whip in crosses.
Any of the aforementioned guys are candidates to find the back of the net – especially Pulisic, Reyna and McKennie. But what about striker? You know, the guy whose job it is to score goals? It’s complicated.
After much debate over who should be on the roster, Berhalter took Jesus Ferreira of the MLS, Josh Sargent of England's second division and Haji Wright, who plays in Turkey. Somewhat surprisingly, he left off teen WCQ sensation Ricardo Pepi, and Jordan Pefok.
There are also a handful of other guys who will have big roles, including midfielder Yunus Musah, center back Walker ZImmerman and expected starting goalkeeper Matt Turner.
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What are the expectations at this World Cup?
Realistically, the USMNT should make it out of Group B, with games against Wales (Nov. 21), England (Black Friday, Nov. 25) and Iran (Nov. 29). While tough matchups, the Stars and Stripes have plenty of talent to manage the needed results against Wales and Iran -- and maybe give the English a run for their money.
From there, it wouldn't be out of the question to win a knockout game, but a potential matchup against the Netherlands would be a tall order. Anything beyond that would just be a cherry on top.
Expectations will be much higher next time around, when the US plays host to the 2026 World Cup (along with Canada and Mexico), with all of these guys in their prime, plus even more emerging youngsters.
What’s the deal with the fans?
One of the best parts about soccer is the fans. The game atmosphere at just about any top-flight club in Europe puts any American sporting event to shame. And the passion national team fans bring to the World Cup is second to none.
If you’re new here, you’ll hear fans singing and chanting throughout the game. And don’t be surprised if you end up with one of them stuck in your head. The American Outlaws supporters group has a list of songs and chants if you want to know exactly what they’re singing.
If you go looking for social media reaction to the World Cup games, don’t be surprised when you stumble into some heated debates amongst passionate fans. USMNT Twitter can be a confusing – and sometimes scary – place. And we wouldn’t change that for the world.
Don’t sleep on soccer
I grew up your standard red-blooded American sports fan. Addicted to NFL and college football, basketball, baseball and even had my era of obsession with hockey.
If there was a sport being played, I was probably watching. Come 2006, that included soccer, thanks to my friends and I discovering the EA Sports FIFA 2006 World Cup video game. That game piqued my interest in the actual World Cup that summer.
In 2010 I went back for another taste and found myself rooting hard for the USA. I was even treated to one of the most breathtaking finishes you’ll see in any sport. By 2014 there was a palpable anticipation for what would be another trip to the knockout stage.
But I still didn’t consider myself a soccer fan. Not until around 2018 when I finally took the bait and started following Fulham FC in the English Premier League – now home to two players on this World Cup’s USMNT roster.
That opened the floodgates. I finally gave the sport a chance and I’m officially addicted. You might be surprised if you give it a chance, too.
Contrary to my previous beliefs, once you start watching regularly, I found there's actually constant action that dictates a game's outcome. I found it's a game of momentum that will keep you glued to the TV when you're invested.
But most of all, I found it's a game that brings people together. Especially during the World Cup. Don't believe me? Check out a watch party this fall at Thomas Magee's Sporting House or the Detroit City Fieldhouse, and you'll see what I mean.
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