McKennie Reveals Critical Challenge That Could Make or Break USMNT's 2026 World Cup Dreams

U.S. men's national team midfielder Weston McKennie recognizes the team needs to find equilibrium between displaying beautiful football and maintaining the tenacity and fighting spirit that has historically characterized successful squads.

Considerable attention has focused on Mauricio Pochettino's version of the USMNT during recent training camps. Since his appointment in September 2024, the Argentine manager holds a record of 11-0-7. Critics and former players have questioned the USMNT across multiple areas and instances, considering the roster's quality on paper and the expectations surrounding a home World Cup in 2026.

Generally, soccer supporters anticipate their teams to demonstrate passion and commitment when representing either a club or country. However, as football continues to develop, the broader expectation typically involves attempting to execute an appealing style of play.

It represents a challenging balance to achieve, but McKennie, who has been away from USMNT duty since March due to various factors including Club World Cup commitments with Juventus, informs Sports Illustrated that both players and Pochettino continue working toward this goal while preparing for 2026.

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"That's the fundamental question. What Pochettino consistently emphasizes during camps is, 'Every time you wear the jersey, you must be prepared to give absolutely everything for the shirt.' McKennie explains during a broader discussion about his partnership with Vita Coco.

"He's absolutely correct about that. There's tremendous pride whenever you don the national team uniform. There's a feeling of an entire nation supporting you that might not be the largest football nation, but it's progressing.

"I believe America is such a proud nation that you must possess and demonstrate that quality for people to become even more engaged. Certainly, executing attractive football is appealing, but ultimately you could play gorgeous football and still lose without showing that determination. Nobody can criticize a team if you attempt to play attractive football while displaying grit, passion and proving you gave everything possible.

"That's what we're working to discover—showcasing both elements because we all compete at major clubs where it's not constant battling and tackling. You execute quality football and circulate the ball effectively, quick passing, not relying on direct play. When you unite from these various clubs, the one aspect you can always control is the effort you contribute, the passion, determination, and intelligence."

The USMNT will meet Ecuador and Australia seeking to generate positive momentum in October. Inconsistent performances against South Korea and Japan previously continued to dampen enthusiasm around a team searching for inspiration, but according to the 27-year-old's perspective, nothing matters more than securing victories ultimately.

"You cannot always dictate a match's result, whether it will feature attractive football because you must win by whatever means required," he states.

"And that could mean playing unattractive football, but earning three points ultimately, nobody will reflect back in four years and consider, 'They executed beautiful play.' But who claimed victory."

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