The Stars and Stripes are hosting a World Cup, and Mauricio Pochettino is the man asked to deliver. Christian Pulisic is playing well at AC Milan, Weston McKennie brings Juventus grit to midfield, and young Gio Reyna has the Borussia Dortmund touch. The USA have never won a World Cup. With home advantage, a world-class coach and a golden generation of European-based players, 2026 may be their best chance yet.
The team sits around 16th in the FIFA ranking.
Why this could be the USA's moment
- Pulisic, "Captain America", is a Serie A star at Milan with the quality to decide games at the top level.
- Pochettino brings Champions League final experience and elite tactical knowledge from Tottenham, PSG and Chelsea.
- McKennie's energy and Juventus background give the midfield steel and Champions League-level quality.
- Matches in several American cities mean big home crowds for every game.
Add the number of Americans now based in Europe's top leagues and this is arguably the most talented US squad there has been.
Can the hosts handle it?
The USA have never had a better chance of a deep World Cup run. A home crowd, a world-class coach and a squad full of European-based players: the ingredients are all in the kitchen. Whether they can carry the pressure that comes with being the host nation is the billion-dollar question.
Tomorrow: number 14, the other North American host.
