Clint Dempsey Reveals Key Strategy for USMNT to Win Over Fans Before World Cup

For the U.S. men's national soccer team to begin packing stadiums nationwide ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, they must secure more victories under manager Mauricio Pochettino.

This perspective comes from American soccer icon and former USMNT forward Clint Dempsey, who shared his thoughts with The Associated Press following the recent 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, where the USMNT competed before crowds dominated by Guatemalan and Mexican supporters on home turf.

"We found ourselves outnumbered during crucial matches in the semifinal and championship game. Opposition fans outnumbered our supporters. It falls on the national team players to deliver performances that motivate people to invest their earnings," Dempsey explained, noting the squad was also without several key figures, including Christian Pulisic, who chose recovery over international duty.

"I'm hoping to witness a squad that plays with an engaging approach, whether that means solid defending, smooth ball distribution from defense, attacking moves, chance creation, or scoring goals...I simply want to observe the determination and tenacity we witnessed in the Gold Cup, but with enhanced skill level. That's my expectation - a team that restores faith in their ability to triumph against elite opponents."

Although the U.S. advanced to the championship match with victories over Haiti, Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala and Costa Rica, most of their contests lacked significant home crowd backing. However, they did experience strong American support in Connecticut during two pre-tournament exhibitions, where they suffered defeats to Switzerland and Türkiye.

Despite absent key players, the USMNT demonstrated determination and passion unseen in recent periods, with Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna's performance and commitment earning comparisons to Dempsey's playing era.

Although the USMNT fell short of silverware for the second occasion in 2025, following their earlier Concacaf Nations League semifinal elimination to Panama, the Gold Cup campaign provided significant rejuvenation after a disappointing group stage departure under former manager Gregg Berhalter at the 2024 Copa América.

"There wasn't that significant blend of veteran players sharing wisdom they'd accumulated through experience," Dempsey continued. "Sometimes situations require someone to create change, correct? You're uncertain if it involves egos. You're unsure what causes things to fail. So following Copa América and Nations League, changes were definitely necessary."

The USMNT won't have opportunities for competitive matches before next year's World Cup, but may participate in up to 10 exhibition games, with four confirmed for September and October against South Korea, Japan, Colombia and Ecuador.

These adversaries, while not among the planet's top-tier nations, will offer the USMNT rigorous preparation for the tournament, as they, alongside co-hosts Canada and Mexico, will occupy Pot 1 in the draw, avoiding at least the world's Top 10-ranked teams.

More Affordable Admission Prices

While the USMNT's rivals have frequently relied on strong immigrant communities to generate challenging environments at domestic matches, ticket costs from U.S. Soccer, Concacaf, and other event organizers have also excluded many casual fans, sometimes resulting in vacant sections.

For the upcoming exhibition matches, however, admission prices are reduced. The most economical tickets for the Ecuador match begin at $43.50. Additionally, the American Outlaws Supporters' Group has negotiated an agreement with U.S. Soccer to make matches more accessible for the most devoted supporters.

"We've consistently maintained that soccer should be accessible to all," stated Justin Brunken, American Outlaws co-founder. "This collaboration with U.S. Soccer helps remove one of the major obstacles - expense - and enables more enthusiastic fans to stand, chant, and support as one."