USMNT Shows Promise in World Cup Build-up

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For over a year and a half, Mauricio Pochettino’s U.S. men’s national team had been more of a concept than a cohesive unit. Frequent player changes, varying intensity, evolving attack formations, and shifting lineups characterized the team’s journey. Predicting their 2026 World Cup performance seemed difficult.

On Sunday, clarity emerged. The team displayed incisive runs and strategic overloads. They controlled possession and moved unpredictably, showcasing their potential. Errors occurred, mostly from players unlikely to start on June 12. Yet, the 3-2 victory over Senegal highlighted the USMNT’s capabilities.

Throughout this World Cup cycle, a gap existed between the talent and actual performance. Under Pochettino, starting in October 2024, the top players often delivered poor results. In contrast, reserves turned the tide last fall with a notable win over Uruguay. When star players returned in March, the U.S. faced losses and declining morale.

Seeing the team’s potential seemed elusive, theoretical. Yet, Sunday provided the evidence fans needed. At Bank of America Stadium, Christian Pulisic attacked vigorously, collaborating with left wingback Antonee Robinson and reinvigorated striker Ricardo Pepi, scoring and assisting after a dry spell in Milan.

On the right, Sergiño Dest and Alex Freeman formed a dynamic pair. Freeman, able to transition from the wing to midfield, supported Dest’s on-ball prowess. His midfield presence led to the U.S.’s second goal, causing confusion for Senegal. Gio Reyna played steadily in midfield, but Sebastian Berhalter appeared out of depth, though Pochettino praised him.

Pochettino remarked, “He’s a monster.”

The second half saw Weston McKennie, Malik Tillman, and Folarin Balogun enhance the game. Visioning McKennie from the start instead of Berhalter could strengthen the team further. Chris Richards, providing defensive support, was needed to stabilize.

No need to reconfigure the system; the potential is evident. The first half’s team, supplemented with full-strength personnel, can be more effective.

Midfielder Tyler Adams noted areas for improvement. Pochettino highlighted the need to manage situations better to avoid conceding chances. Both goals were preventable. Defensive gaps due to Berhalter’s positioning and errors from backups Miles Robinson and Chris Brady contributed to Senegal’s scoring, both unlikely to start in the World Cup.

Key players performed admirably. Dest felt the team dominated, while Senegal coach Pape Thiaw acknowledged the U.S.’s strength in possession disrupted Senegal’s play. This aligned with Pochettino’s long-standing vision. Playing with the ball was prioritized, aiming to dominate games and control possession to defend effectively and play closer to the opposition’s goal.

Speaking recently, Pochettino envisioned Tillman and McKennie dropping deeper alongside Adams for better control and quick ball movement. Sunday’s game reflected these strategies, showing the USMNT’s progress under Pochettino.

Over a year and a half, many discussions on tactics and intangible elements occurred, with players slowly embracing the concepts. This summer marked the shift from theory to practice.

Pochettino asserted, “Today, we saw.”

He noted the commitment and talent present. We witnessed why this team’s potential is significant, why they maintain belief, and why they could captivate America in the coming summer.