Everything to know about the US men's team at the 2026 World Cup
Getty ImagesWhen US player Antonee Robinson sent a thunderous kick into the back of the net on Saturday in front of 63,000 jubilant fans in Chicago, we got a glimpse of what his team might be able to achieve on home soil during the 2026 World Cup.
The friendly match against Germany ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Americans, but that one goal previewed an electric attack that could generate highlight moments in the tournament. And it showed how US fans are ready to cheer on their team.
The US has an established star in Christian "Captain America" Pulisic, they are the top-ranked team in their group, and their head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, has previously managed powerhouse European teams including PSG and Chelsea.
So, how will the United States men's national soccer team (USMNT) perform at the World Cup?
John Harkes, who played for the US in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups - and the first American to play in England's Premier League - told the BBC that there was a "great chance" for the American side to do well in the upcoming tournament.
"I think they're very talented. But the critical part of any World Cup is that you have to come together as a team, and you need resilience and fight through adversity," he added. "Sometimes games don't go your way. At the end of the day, you just need a little luck."
Many of the US players, Harkes said, now have considerable experience in Europe's big leagues. He believes that experience - if the players remain fit - will put the team in good stead.
"We've had a lot of injuries lately, and being healthy is critical for the World Cup," he said.
"I hope that the crowd gets behind them," he added. "In Chicago [versus Germany in Saturday's friendly] the atmosphere was absolutely incredible. If that's something they can embrace in a friendly scrimmage, then I'm really excited."
And while Harkes did not comment on the prospect of the US winning the whole tournament if they advanced from the group stage, he did say "anything is possible from there".
US players to watch
Getty ImagesChristian Pulisic: The 27-year-old plays for AC Milan in Italy, and has 86 caps for the national team. Pulisic is the fastest US player to notch 50 goal contributios for his country. He's always a threat on the attack, and has elite skills with the ball. This could be a defining tournament for the star, who will be looking to secure his legacy. Pulisic has had a goal drought in 2026 and may feel under pressure.
Folarin Balogun: The 24-year-old striker for AS Monaco, who play in the French top flight, has 27 US caps. He finished the season as one of the hottest centre-forwards in Europe, with 11 goals in 14 games. The squad will look to him to provide an edge in the final third that was lacking during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Weston McKennie: The 27-year-old midfielder plays for Italian side Juventus, and has 66 caps for the US. He is a key player who brings tenacity and strength to the midfield. McKennie scored on his debut for the USMNT in 2017 at the age of 19.
Tyler Adams: The 27-year-old plays for English team AFC Bournemouth and has 54 caps for the national team. The midfielder captained the team in Qatar at only 23 years of age. Adams is a defensive-minded player who is capable of anchoring the midfield and putting a quick stop to attacking threats.
Tim Ream: The 38-year-old is the captain of the squad at this World Cup and has 82 caps for the US. The defender plays for Major League Soccer (MLS) side Charlotte FC and brings a wealth of experience from his career, which includes nine seasons at Fulham in England. Ream is an excellent passer who is calm under pressure.
Getty ImagesWhat are the team's strengths and weaknesses?
Home advantage could provide a major advantage this time.
The US is not historically known as a football (or soccer) nation. But this is the biggest stage there is for the sport - and if the team gets off to a good start, the momentum may quickly build among the American public and in the media.
The squad comprises a dynamic and energetic group, with a host of versatile players. Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest are both incisive wing-backs, while Balogun could be the consistent striker the team has lacked for years.
The team could face some defensive challenges. There's a saying in US sport that the best ability is availability - and injury concerns for Chris Richards have meant the key defender missed the friendly warm-up matches with an ankle injury.
Who is the head coach?
Mauricio Pochettino was considered a significant coup when the USMNT secured his services as head coach in 2024. This is his first international job, and the Argentine is looking to rebuild his reputation as an elite coach after a mixed track record from his time at some of Europe's top leagues.
"Ponchettino is a good manager, even though this is the first time he's managing a national team," John Harkes, the former US player, said.
"I feel like his expectations and core values of what he wants has finally gotten this team on the right track."
Compared with the sides that they fielded in previous World Cups, the 2026 team has "better resources, and more experience with players that have been through the grind with their individual clubs", Harkes believes.
Which teams are in group D?
- USA: Tournament co-costs and ranked 16th in Fifa's men's world standings
- Turkey: Ranked 22nd
- Australia: Ranked 27th
- Paraguay: Ranked 40th
"It's a quality group," Harkes told the BBC. "Paraguay is a great side. Australia as well, and Turkey is a strong, underrated side. They know how to fight and compete."
How has USMNT performed at previous World Cups?
The US team have have been consistent in qualifying for the tournament in recent years - although this time the process was automatic alongside co-hosts Canada and Mexico.
That only World Cup they have missed since 1990 was in 2018, when a 2-1 defeat to Trinidad & Tobago crushed their hopes during the qualifying stage.
Last time, in Qatar in 2022, the US team made it to the last 16.
The last-16 stage was also where the US finished the previous time it hosted the tournament, in 1994.
The best performance for the US men's team at a World Cup was at the very first tournament, in 1930. That team finished third out of 13 nations.
The US women's team has had a much stronger showing, with four World Cup wins.
The full US squad
Here's the full group - with each player's club team in brackets.
Goalkeepers: Chris Brady (Chicago Fire), Matt Freese (New York City), Matt Turner (New England Revolution)
Defenders: Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sergino Dest (PSV Eindhoven), Alex Freeman (Villarreal), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Miles Robinson (Cincinnati), Joe Scally (Borussia Monchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Celtic)
Midfielders: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders), Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United), Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Gio Reyna (Borussia Monchengladbach), Malik Tillman (Bayer Leverkusen), Tim Weah (Marseille), Alejandro Zendejas (Club America)
Forwards: Folarin Balogun (Monaco), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven), Haji Wright (Coventry City)
With additional reporting from Matt Jones, BBC Sport
