USMNT Poised to Shock the World: Five Game-Changing Predictions That Could Fuel an Epic 2026 World Cup Journey

The 2026 World Cup presents an unprecedented moment for the U.S. men's national soccer team, offering a home tournament and the potential to elevate soccer's standing across America like never before.

Since the joint bid by the United States, Canada, and Mexico succeeded in 2018, the vision has been transformational achievement, with no better catalyst for American soccer growth than a deep tournament run by the men's national squad.

Below, Sports Illustrated presents five daring forecasts for the USMNT heading into 2026.

Three Players Without International Caps at 2025's Start Will Earn World Cup Selection

While there's no January training camp for the USMNT this year, breaking from the traditional schedule shared by the U.S. and Canada, the 2025 January gathering under Mauricio Pochettino appears to have been pivotal, potentially launching multiple players toward their World Cup debut.

Our forecast suggests three players who entered that camp without USMNT caps will secure roster spots. Most notably, New York City FC keeper Matt Freese appears set to claim the starting goalkeeper position, while Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten has become integral to Pochettino's tactical approach.

Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter also seems destined for inclusion after his impressive showing with the national team following his debut during the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.

Gio Reyna Earns a World Cup Starting Role

Following his conflict with previous coach Gregg Berhalter during the 2022 World Cup, Gio Reyna found himself largely excluded from USMNT consideration. However, 2025 positions him as a potential midfield starter, thanks to his resurgent form in the Bundesliga with Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Pochettino has emphasized that current club performance and tactical compatibility outweigh past achievements in his selection process, positioning Reyna as a candidate to start in America's most crucial matches after his successful USMNT return with three goal contributions in October.

The USMNT Will Reach the World Cup Final Four

Playing before home crowds creates an exceptional chance for the USMNT to achieve a tournament breakthrough. Why not aim for the semifinals?

Pochettino's squad concluded 2025 unbeaten across five consecutive matches against top-30 nations, claiming victory in four encounters against Japan, Australia, Paraguay and Uruguay, largely due to enhanced performance following the adoption of a three-center-back formation.

With a manageable Group D draw featuring Australia, Paraguay and one team from Slovakia, Kosovo, Türkiye or Romania, the USMNT could claim group victory, potentially setting up a Round of 32 meeting with the strongest third-place qualifier from Groups B, E, F, I or J.

Reaching the semifinals would require defeating at least one elite opponent, but in knockout football's single-match format, there's reason to believe the USMNT can return to the final four for the first time since the tournament's 1930 inception.

Christian Pulisic Challenges for World Cup Top Scorer Award

While Christian Pulisic wasn't central to USMNT plans in 2025, he'll be crucial at the World Cup. With eight goals and two assists in just 605 Serie A minutes for AC Milan this season, the 27-year-old should enter the tournament with excellent form and confidence.

Though not a traditional striker, he could compete for the tournament's Golden Boot, considering that much of America's offensive play will likely flow through his creative and finishing skills. A deep USMNT run would only enhance his scoring opportunities.

Mauricio Pochettino Departs USMNT Following World Cup

U.S. Soccer's appointment of Pochettino centered on the 2026 World Cup objective—and we predict the Argentine manager won't continue beyond that tournament.

Despite his potential to create American soccer history on home soil, there's minimal evidence suggesting he plans to stay long-term, having publicly expressed his ambition to return to English Premier League management while serving in his current position.

His impact on American soccer may prove remarkable and historic, yet it will span only a brief period. After all, this single tournament was his primary mission; Premier League and other European opportunities will emerge, while the USMNT will be positioned to attract a coach with longer-term vision focused on establishing enduring success.

Consequently, the USMNT may feature a different leader on the sideline for the next Concacaf Nations League campaign in the fall.