The head coach of the United States men’s national soccer team, Mauricio Pochettino, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to clinch the World Cup, even without any players listed among the top 100 worldwide.
“We are the USA, competing against teams like Belgium and Portugal,” Pochettino stated following two friendlies in March that resulted in losses. “Belgium and Portugal likely have several players within the top 100, while we do not.”
According to The Guardian’s annual report released in December, no American players made the top 100 list.
Christian Pulisic was ranked 116th in a survey conducted with input from 219 former players, coaches, technical staff, and media representatives. Tim Weah followed behind at 183rd.
In contrast, Spain had 14 players in the top 100, France contributed 10, while Brazil and England each had nine, with Argentina and Portugal contributing eight players each.
Retired American forward Jozy Altidore commented, “I don’t believe our talent level is significantly inferior to that of other nations. I genuinely think we are just as skilled. I’m that optimistic believer, and so are the players. So the question is, why not us?”
The U.S. team is aiming high, with hopes of either clinching their first World Cup title or reaching the semifinals for the first time since 1930.
However, the Americans still face skepticism from the global soccer community.
“We strive to achieve this for ourselves and our country. We don’t feel the need to prove anything to anyone else,” stated Pulisic. “We possess strong players on top clubs around the globe. We have a solid team and we will do everything possible to validate our belief.”
In 2022, captain Tyler Adams, a key defensive player, remarked, “We aim to surpass any of our previous achievements.”
“It’s been a while since we’ve upset a top-tier team,” he reflected. “We need to cultivate that resilience in our character, and I believe we will.”
The U.S. team has faced harsh realities in the World Cup over the years.
With a 1-7 record in World Cup knockout rounds, their lone victory came against regional rival Mexico in 2002, followed by a quarterfinal departure against Germany.
Since then, it’s been a series of disappointments: exiting in the round of 16 in 2010, 2014, and 2022, failing to progress from the group stage in 2006, and not qualifying for 2018.
Despite this lack of history, Pochettino encouraged his players to believe in their potential.
“Why not us? Why not us? Why not us?” he urged. “It’s essential for us to truly believe we can achieve this. We need to dare to dream.”
Pulisic made history in 2021 as the first American to participate in and win a European Champions League final, helping Chelsea secure the title. He is one of six American players bound for the World Cup playing for clubs ranked in UEFA’s top 40 coefficients, having spent the last three seasons with No. 30 AC Milan.
This group also includes midfielder Malik Tillman (No. 9 at Bayer Leverkusen), midfielder Weston McKennie (No. 25 at Juventus), defender Sergiño Dest, forward Ricardo Pepi (No. 26 at PSV Eindhoven), and defender Alex Freeman (No. 39 at Villarreal).
Historically, goalkeeping has been a strength for the U.S. with notable players like Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel, and Tim Howard, all of whom played for English clubs. However, this will be the first instance of a Major League Soccer goalkeeper representing the U.S. at a World Cup.
“Goalkeeping remains a concern,” noted former American midfielder Stu Holden, who now works as a commentator for Fox. “We’ve been missing a standout goalkeeper for several years, yet one tournament could change our entire reputation.”
Potential starter Matt Freese made his international debut last June and has only 15 caps to his name.
“I’m not really focused on external opinions; it’s all about the people around me and the coaching staff,” he said.
The U.S. team often faces crowds that are predominantly supporting their opponents during home games, as seen in matches against Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, Morocco, South Korea, and Türkiye.
“Americans tend to show up for special events, even if they’re not die-hard soccer fans,” McKennie remarked. “When there’s a major occasion, we know how to create an exciting atmosphere, and I believe this is a major advantage.”