Tyler Adams emphasized the need for the United States to secure a significant victory at this summer’s World Cup, noting that it has been some time since the Americans defeated a major opponent.
The reality is that the U.S. has suffered eight consecutive losses to European teams, with recent defeats against Belgium and Portugal during March friendlies that Adams did not participate in. In Group D this summer, the team will compete against Paraguay, Australia, and Türkiye.
“It’s been a while since we’ve beaten a top team,” Adams remarked following Bournemouth’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle on Saturday. “We need to tap into that character, and I believe we will.”
Despite having a strong pool of players, concerns about the tournament co-host’s preparedness linger after the losses to Belgium and Portugal in March.
“It might serve as a wake-up call, but we’ll end up where we need to be,” Adams added.
Having captained the U.S. at the 2022 World Cup, Adams is conscious of the team’s underdog status, with the U.S. currently ranked 16th and a long shot at 40-1 to win the tournament.
The 27-year-old expressed that this summer’s aim is to “advance farther than any previous team.” The U.S. made it to the semifinals in the inaugural 1930 World Cup and the quarterfinals in 2002.
“That’s the one everyone remembers,” Adams noted. “If we can replicate that success and keep improving, we need to find ways to handle the pressure of facing top teams.”
Pochettino will reveal his World Cup roster on May 26, while the U.S. will have pre-tournament friendly matches against Senegal and Germany before their opening match against Paraguay on June 12.
Adams has made 52 international appearances and played every minute of the 2022 World Cup, but has faced challenges with injuries since then.
After tearing his right hamstring during training with Leeds in March 2023 and reinjuring it during his debut with Bournemouth that September, Adams required a second surgery. He made his comeback in March 2024 but was hindered by back spasms, competing in just three league matches in his first season with the Cherries.
A back surgery following the 2024 Copa América pushed back his debut for the 2024-25 season until late October. This season has seen interruptions due to injuries, including a head collision with teammate Adam Smith in November and a torn left MCL against Manchester United on December 15.
Adams missed 12 of 15 league matches but made a significant return in the 70th minute of a thrilling 2-1 win against Arsenal on April 11, before making another appearance in the 65th minute last weekend.
“I wouldn’t say any players are guaranteed a spot in the World Cup,” Adams commented when discussing potential squad members. “One message Mauricio has consistently conveyed since arriving is that everyone must maintain their form at their clubs to earn a chance with the national team.”
The path to the 2022 World Cup featured a tough qualifying campaign, unlike the current situation where the team has known about their World Cup participation for years.
“Anyone familiar with our experience during the qualifying rounds for ’22 knows how grueling it was, and the resultant reward was competing in the World Cup,” Adams stated. “In contrast, we have had clarity about participating in this World Cup for a long time, and while it doesn’t necessarily feel like the same weight, playing constant friendlies can seem odd.”
Adams, along with Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Timothy Weah, represent a core group of players who have been together for over a decade, dating back to their youth national team days.
Adams believes that team cohesion is crucial for a successful run in the tournament.
“It’s all about cohesiveness,” Adams remarked. “We can’t stray from our tactics and the structure of our play. Just focusing on personal excellence won’t yield results; it’s the collective approach that matters, while individual performances are certainly significant as well.”
Some information in this report drew from The Associated Press.