Losing to Panama again in a competitive match is concerning for the United States men’s national team, but it doesn’t mean they have no chance at the 2026 World Cup. They will play either Mexico or Canada in the Nations League third-place game, which is important preparation for the World Cup.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino pointed out areas for improvement, including pressing, long shots, and intensity, stressing the need for better competition.
‘Everyone is responsible, and we need to find a way to compete better,’ Pochettino stated.
The team needs to improve, and Sunday’s game is an opportunity to show progress. Changes to the squad could be made before the Gold Cup. Pochettino has talked about trusting the team and individual players. Players like Patrick Ageymang and Jack McGlynn gained trust during January camp, while others need to prove themselves.
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Leading up to the World Cup, Pochettino needs to assess the squad’s strengths and weaknesses. Losses like this one to Panama can reveal more about needed improvements than wins. Let’s consider why there is still hope for the USMNT:
Key Players Make a Big Difference
Antonee Robinson is arguably the second-most important player for the USMNT after Christian Pulisic. Robinson’s defensive skills and attacking contributions are valuable. His absence on the left side was noticeable. While there are concerns about backup for Robinson, even Sergino Dest, the usual backup left back, was also absent. Having Robinson and Dest available makes the team much stronger. Their absence was felt.
The USMNT needs more depth, which takes time to develop. When key players are missing, it’s hard to fill those gaps without system changes. Constant changes are not ideal for the USMNT’s level. Folarin Balogun’s absence as striker was also significant. His movement creates space for other attackers even without touching the ball.
Most teams would struggle with their third-choice left back and striker. Having both missing at once creates a difficult situation for squad balance.
Plenty of Growth Potential Remains
It’s less than 500 days until the World Cup, which might seem like a short period. However, 500 days is also a lot of for growth. Players can move to new teams, challenge themselves, and Pochettino can further integrate into American soccer. He’s learned a lot since October 2024 and will continue learning before the World Cup. Players will adapt to his expectations or risk losing their squad positions. Dest and other players will return, which should strengthen the team.
If these problems continue into late 2025, then there will be more cause for concern. But the USMNT has much to learn, and a single great goal from Panama shouldn’t overshadow the team’s solid defensive effort in this game. If Sargent’s shot had gone in, the game could have been different. Perspective is important.
Competition is Crucial
Whether the USMNT won or lost, they still face Canada or Mexico. Competition is what the team makes of it. While trophies can be motivating, relying on them for motivation isn’t ideal for World Cup preparation. The USMNT is scheduling strong matches, including games against Türkiye and Switzerland before the Gold Cup. These matches provide valuable learning opportunities.
By scheduling high-level friendlies and World Cup warm-ups, the team will face plenty of challenges. The Gold Cup could also be very competitive as the last major tournament before the World Cup. While this loss is disappointing for fans, it’s better to learn from it now to prepare for the future.
Benedict Kingsley