USMNT seeks Gold Cup success for World Cup preparation

The U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (USMNT) faced challenges in recent matches, losing to Panama and Canada. However, there are opportunities ahead, especially with the Gold Cup coming this summer. This tournament is usually not a priority, but given the team's recent struggles, it could be a key moment for improvement. With the 2026 World Cup set to take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the USMNT will not participate in World Cup qualification matches. This means the Gold Cup and summer friendlies are vital for the team's development. The USMNT has scheduled matches against Türkiye and Switzerland in June, before the Gold Cup begins. Coach Mauricio Pochettino will have a chance to train with the team for a longer period than usual. The first friendly is on June 7, and if the USMNT reaches the Gold Cup final, they could have nearly a month of preparation. This time is crucial for fixing defensive issues and developing new strategies. The Gold Cup will also feature strong teams, giving the USMNT a chance to compete against top-ranked opponents. Pochettino emphasized the importance of not being pessimistic and remaining hopeful for the team's growth. He noted that building a successful World Cup team takes time and the Gold Cup could be a turning point. With a clear opportunity to improve, the USMNT aims to turn recent setbacks into valuable learning experiences. Winning games this summer could help regain confidence and elevate their performance for the World Cup.