Despite a disappointing end to the recent international break for the United States Men`s National Team, there`s a silver lining. Depending on your perspective, the upcoming Gold Cup provides another opportunity for the team to prove that the losses to Panama and Canada were just minor setbacks, not indicators of a deeper issue as they look towards the World Cup.
Typically, the summer between major international tournaments offers a break for key USMNT players. The Gold Cup usually occurs in years between the Concacaf Nations League and the World Cup. However, this summer might be different. With the United States, Canada, and Mexico co-hosting the 2026 World Cup and automatically qualifying, they won`t participate in the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers restarting in June.
Without these competitive qualifying matches and with Concacaf`s schedule filled until the World Cup, this summer window becomes crucial for the USMNT. It`s their best chance to compete against strong teams before the lead-up to the World Cup. U.S. Soccer seems aware of this, scheduling summer friendlies against Türkiye and Switzerland in early June before the Gold Cup tournament.
Facing quality opponents in friendlies is valuable, but it also suggests the possibility of fielding a first-choice team in the Gold Cup, rather than a squad primarily of domestic league players. A key difference between club and international management is consistent training time, which a coach like Mauricio Pochettino needs to maximize his team`s potential.
The team only had three days of training before the Concacaf Nations League matches, compared to players in the January camp who had several weeks with the coach. With the first friendly on June 7th and the Gold Cup final on July 6th, Pochettino could potentially have a month with the squad if the USMNT reaches the final. This period is vital for World Cup preparation, and the invitation of Saudi Arabia to the Gold Cup adds another competitive element.
The USMNT could face up to eight teams ranked in the top 60 of FIFA, and are guaranteed to play at least two currently in the top 30. This extended time together facing strong opposition is a significant opportunity for the team to learn and improve.
Their defense looked disorganized against Canada, and the only way to resolve such issues is through consistent practice together. Pochettino would also have time to work through mistakes and help the team develop new strategies, such as breaking down tightly packed defenses. Pochettino himself mentioned that improvements take time after the loss to Canada, and the Gold Cup provides a substantial period to work with the squad.
“I`ve noticed that teams preparing for the World Cup often don`t fully come together until closer to the tournament,” Pochettino stated. “I want to tell the fans not to be pessimistic or feel discouraged.”
The most effective way to alleviate concerns is by winning games and playing well. With this extended summer period, the USMNT has the chance to demonstrate growth. They clearly showed a need for improvement during the Nations League, and a summer free from club commitments might be exactly what they need to overcome their recent struggles and poor performances.
Adrian Whitmore