Context:

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the USMNT, under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, is gearing up through a series of competitions, including the 2025 Gold Cup, to be held on home soil. The team is preparing with a mix of friendlies and competitive matches, despite recent setbacks in the 2024/25 CONCACAF Nations League where they lost to Panama and Canada. The USMNT's 2025 schedule includes friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland, as well as group stage matches in the Gold Cup against Trinidad & Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti. There is an anticipation of a possible friendly against Argentina, which would be a significant test before the World Cup. Additionally, the U-20 team will participate in the 2025 U-20 FIFA World Cup, bolstered by promising young players such as Cavan Sullivan, despite the challenges in the senior team's recent performances.

Dive Deeper:

• Mauricio Pochettino leads the USMNT in preparations for the 2026 World Cup, focusing on building a competitive team with stars like Christian Pulisic, Tim Weah, and Weston McKennie. The team is looking to overcome recent disappointments in the CONCACAF Nations League where they lost to Panama and Canada.

• The 2025 Gold Cup is a focal point for the USMNT, offering a full competitive environment before the World Cup. The tournament is primarily held west of the Mississippi River to coordinate with the Club World Cup on the east coast, and the U.S. aims to reclaim their historic confederation title.

• The USMNT will face challenging group stage matches in the Gold Cup against Trinidad & Tobago, Saudi Arabia, and Haiti. Success in these matches is crucial for advancing to the knockout stages, with the final set for July 6 at NRG Stadium in Houston.

• Friendly matches against Turkey and Switzerland serve as warm-ups before the Gold Cup, providing opportunities to test strategies and integrate new players, especially since many European-based stars are unavailable during January camp.

• The U-20 team will compete in the 2025 U-20 FIFA World Cup in Chile, aiming to surpass past performances and advance beyond the quarterfinals, with young talents like Cavan Sullivan potentially making significant impacts.

• Arranging a friendly against Lionel Messi's Argentina is in discussion, which would provide a high-level competition for the USMNT as they continue to prepare for the World Cup without participating in CONCACAF qualification.

• Despite recent tournament setbacks, the focus remains on building a robust squad capable of competing at the highest levels, with domestic and international fixtures scheduled to refine tactics and improve team cohesion.