The United States soccer team opens a new stage with the Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino confirmed on the bench after the 2026 World Cup played at home, in which the American team fell in the round of 16 against Belgiumwith Christian Pulisic as the main reference and now with the challenge of once again imposing his weight in Concacaf.
The USMNT of the United States faces the new cycle with Pochettino confirmed at the helm. The selection reached the 8th. in the last World Cup tournament, but their 4-1 defeat against Belgium left a bitter feeling.
The USA had enormous support from its fans during the World Cup and was the protagonist of great victories in the group stage, something that increased the ambitions of a team that, in the end, fell short in the first test against Belgium.
Later, after weeks of uncertainty, the Argentine coach retained command with his sights set on the 2030 World Cup and consolidating a competitive identity.
The immediate route does not yet go through the Concacaf Nations League. Being one of the seeds, the United States will enter the quarterfinals in November, in a two-legged match against the second place team from the group stage.
Before, Pochettino will use four friendly games to readjust his project, facing the teams of Peru, Chile, Mexico and Canada.
The US national team’s next game will be against Peru on Saturday, September 26, at 4:30 pm ET, at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. To buy tickets go to the official website Ussoccer.com.
With Pulisic, Adams and McKennie
Christian Pulisic continues to be the main offensive and media focus of a team that maintains the core of its World Cup generation. Tyler Adams provides balance and leadership from midfield, while Weston McKennie adds experience, intensity and arrival. The continuity of those pieces offers Pochettino a recognizable base for the next stage.
The renewal may appear on the right with Alex Freeman, Villarreal’s full-back and one of the names to follow after his presence in the World Cup. His physical power, offensive vocation and room for growth fit into a team that needs to expand alternatives without dismantling its structure.
Pochettino intends to use the upcoming friendly games to mix the players who participated in the FIFA World Cup with emerging players, in a call that will open spaces to expand internal competition.
The last Nations League ended with the United States off the podium, defeated by Canada (2-1) in the third place match. The result confirmed the balance of the regional competition and increased the demands for a team accustomed to dominating the tournament.
Thus, Pochettino must turn the World Cup experience into a starting point. The United States has consolidated talent, local exposure and a generation still of competitive age, but will have to translate it into results against its CONCACAF rivals, with an eye on the 2030 World Cup.
A FOUR-MATCH WINDOW IS SET FOR THIS FALL!
🇺🇸🆚🇵🇪 – 9/26 in Orlando, FL
🇺🇸🆚🇨🇱 – 9/29 in St. Louis, MO
🇺🇸🆚🇲🇽 – 10/3 in Glendale, AZ
🇺🇸🆚🇨🇦 – 10/6 in St. Paul, MN
🔗 https://t.co/SVoF4Ixmch pic.twitter.com/RwqDMqC4O8
— US Soccer Men’s National Team (@USMNT) August 4, 2026
