(AP Photos/Jack Dempsey)
It’s January 24th, 2024. You know what that means. We are officially 5 months away from being 2 years away from the start of the 2026 World Cup. Saying it’s right around the corner would be a stretch but it’s never too early to get to know the squad a little bit. The last taste of World Cup soccer we got from our team was the 3-1 loss to Netherlands in the Round of 16 (Qatar 2022). Although a disappointing finish, there was a buzz around the country throughout the group stage. When it came to the USMNT, people were talking, birds were chirping and stoplights seemed to be showing red white and blue.
When our very own Captain America in the form of Christian Pulisic sacrificed his future bloodline to put a goal in the back of the net in the 1-0 victory against Iran, and propel us into the knockout round, the growth of the game may have doubled. There wasn’t a super serum, iron suit, or a hammer, but he turned into an Avenger that day.
With most of our key players in the middle of club play in their respective countries and leagues, we have turned to many young faces for the upcoming CONCACAF Semi-final against Jamaica. With the Paris Olympics nearing, it seems a similar squad will be rolled out, but come World Cup time, the team that a lot of the country grew to admire in 2022 will return. Included in this projected list is…
Christian Pulisic (FWD) - AC Milan
Weston McKennie (MID) - Juventus
Tim Weah (FWD) - Juventus
Tyler Adams (MID) - Bournemouth
Antonee Robinson (DEF) - Fulham
Sergino Dest (DEF) - PSV
Matt Turner (GK) - Nottingham Forest
Along with Manager Gregg Berhalter, these standouts from 2022 are projected to be back in 2026. With all of them having the experience of Qatar under their belt and still in their prime, the sky's the limit. On top of this, the 2026 World Cup heads to the team's stomping grounds, our home turf. Matches are set to be spread out throughout the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Most of them will be taking place here in the States. The atmosphere at every game the United States will play in will be otherworldly.
That’s the great thing about the sport we call soccer and national team play in particular. Everybody rallies together to support their country. The stars and stripes are all that matter.
We’ve reached a lull in upcoming games but we’ll check back in around the CONCACAF Semi-final match to see how the boys are looking.
Buckle up, because we are approximately 865 days from the World Cup.
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