It’s the USMNT’s version of “Redeem Team” After a dismal qualification campaign, the Americans missed the 2018 tournament. Key victories against Mexico and Concacaf’s lesser teams helped the U.S. qualify for the World Cup.
Since October 2017’s disgrace, Gregg Berhalter was hired in December 2018. Since then, the U.S. has turned many young possibilities into stars and established a Concacaf-winning side.
In 2021, the U.S. defeated Mexico in the Nations League final and the Gold Cup final with a different team. The U.S. hasn’t won three straight over its neighbour since 2007.
This great U.S. squad has many questions about moving to Qatar. Emerging center backs Miles Robinson and Chris Richards are injured and will miss the World Cup, leaving that position bare. Matt Turner has been starting in goal for Arsenal, but he must shake off the rust from sitting on the bench.
Recent results reveal Berhalter has much to do before Nov. 21 vs Wales. The U.S. lost 2–0 to Japan and drew 0–0 with Saudi Arabia in its last two friendly matches before Qatar. The U.S. men’s World Cup return will drown out all the pre-tournament hype.
Group B USA Matches Schedule (All Times Eastern)
- Wales, Nov. 21, 02:00 P.M.
- England, Nov. 25, 02:00 P.M.
- Iran, Nov. 29, 02:00 P.M.
USA Team Coach
- Coach Name: Gregg Berhalter, hired in December 2018
Players of USA to Watch: Christian Pulisic, Forward
The shining light of the current crop of American soccer players gets his chance to compete in the World Cup. Even though Pulisic has had a difficult time adjusting to life at Chelsea over the last year, his speed and decisiveness make him a significant threat up front for Group B.
Players of USA to Watch: Tyler Adams, Midfielder
Adams is the spark plug in the middle of the field. The man from Leeds United was a rock for the United States as their deepest-lying midfielder through qualification. Adams, who might be at the head of a revolving defensive unit, will need to give extensive coverage.
Players of USA to Watch: Sergiño Dest, Fullback
Dest is a dynamic playmaker who can line up on the wing for either defence. The loanee from AC Milan would instead be involved in the offence than the defence. Whenever necessary, he can cut inside and create an attacking chance or even pull off a fantastic finish with the ball at his feet.
Breakout Candidate of USA: Tim Weah, Winger
Now 22 years old, he is prepared for his big break. George Sr. was one of the best soccer players in Africa. He followed in his footsteps by becoming a star for Liberia as a striker in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite his many successes, George could never play in a World Cup.
In his first attempt at a big international event, the younger Weah has a chance to make a significant contribution. He’s a fast thinker and great dribbler, giving him a good contender for the American right wing.
Weah’s club career has been sporadic for the French team Lille. Strong results in Qatar would prove he can follow in his father’s enormous footsteps.
World Cup History of the USA
- 11th Appearance in FIFA World Cup
- Last Appearance in FIFA World Cup: 2014 (Round of 16)
- Best Finish in FIFA World Cup: Third Place in 1930
Outlook and Expectations from the USA
The U.S. has had eight years to prepare. Since 2014, a promising new crop of players has matured into key positions for the national squad.
Berhalter is under intense scrutiny despite the core’s relative youth. Some have questioned whether or not his strategy would hold up in a long-term international battle with players who only see each other for a short period each year.
England has one of the world’s deepest teams, and Iran and Wales provide formidable challenges. The United States men’s national soccer team would be a dismal failure if it didn’t get to the elimination round.
World Cup Squad of USA
- Ethan Horvath (Luton Town) – Goalkeeper.
- Sean Johnson (NYCFC) – Goalkeeper.
- Matt Turner (Arsenal) – Goalkeeper.
- Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic) – Defender.
- Sergiño Dest (AC Milan) – Defender.
- Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls) – Defender.
- Shaq Moore (Nashville SC) – Defender.
- Tim Ream (Fulham) – Defender.
- Antonee Robinson (Fulham) – Defender.
- Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach) – Defender.
- DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami) – Defender.
- Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC) – Defender.
- Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United) – Midfielder.
- Kellyn Acosta (LAFC) – Midfielder.
- Tyler Adams (Leeds United) – Midfielder.
- Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo) – Midfielder.
- Weston McKennie (Juventus) – Midfielder.
- Yunus Musah (Valencia) – Midfielder.
- Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders) – Midfielder.
- Jesús Ferreira (FC Dallas) – Forwards.
- Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders) – Forwards.
- Christian Pulisic (Chelsea) – Forward.
- Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund) – Forward.
- Josh Sargent (Norwich City) – Forward.
- Tim Weah (Lille) – Forward.
- Haji Wright (Antalyaspor) – Forward.