GOAL writers discuss the USMNT's Nations League disappointment, and where the program goes next after a miserable week
So, there goes the USMNT's footballing hopes for the forseeable future. That's it. Program done. World Cup lost. Move on to 2030, or even 2034, because 2026, on home soil, is a lost cause.
Of course, that's all hyperbole.
The USMNT had a very bad week. But there will be some good ones, too. International football exists on a knife edge. There are seldom gray areas to be found. Still, it's hard to spin back-to-back losses to Panama and Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League with much optimism.
Indeed, USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino comes out of this whole thing with more questions than answers. He still doesn't really know what his best XI is, or which configuration of footballers should start on day one of the 2026 World Cup – he has more than 400 days to figure that out, but the clock is ticking.
And with this summer's Gold Cup likely yielding a depleted squad because of the simultaneous Club World Cup, he is facing a long wait before he is able to put his best side on the pitch.
So what can be learned here? Did anyone impress? Has anyone played their way out of the squad? Did Gio Reyna, Diego Luna and others help – or hurt – their cases? A word, too, for Mexico and Canada. El Tri are back at the top after winning Nations League for the first time. A good Mexico is probably good for world football. Canada boss Jesse Marsch will be disappointed that his side lost in the semifinals, but can take joy from a second straight win over the U.S.
There's a lot to analyze, and GOAL US writers break it all down in the latest edition of… The Rondo.
Getty ImagesJust how bad were the losses to Panama and Canada for the USMNT?
Tom Hindle: Well, it wasn't great. Pochettino made all of the right noises about wanting to win this thing, and, uhhh, didn't. So in that sense, objectively, he failed to do what he wanted to do. The manner of the defeats isn't as bad as everyone made it out to be. For the billionth time, the USMNT did not lack effort. It is not a case of "not wanting it enough." They were just tactically outdone, twice, which is objectively a little bit funny. Then again, if you're Pochettino, you'd probably rather learn about all of the bad stuff now than halfway through a World Cup campaign.
Jacob Schneider: Bad isn't the right way to describe it. It was a pretty pathetic performance. The stars didn't shine, and it felt… slow. The tempo wasn't there, and there was a severe lack of urgency on the ball. It was odd to watch. It was as if the players didn't know each other, lacked chemistry and were waiting for someone else to do something. They were playing self-consciously.
Ryan Tolmich: Are you a glass half-full or half-empty person? The half-full agrees with Pochettino, who rightly points out that it’s a good thing this happened now and not next summer. It’s a humbling, yes, but a well-timed one. Now then work begins, and it’s clear that there’s much to be addressed. As for the half-empty, the sky is falling! The roster hasn’t turned over nor has it really improved since Qatar. This team isn’t dramatically different from the one that winter and, in many ways, that’s a concern. They’re supposed to be better but they aren’t – at least not yet. Again, there’s a lot of work to be done.
AdvertisementShould the USMNT be worried ahead of the 2026 World Cup?
TH: Most coaches tend to know what their starting XI will be for day one of a major tournament at least a year out. How many guaranteed starters are there for the USMNT right now? Probably Christian Pulisic, Sergino Dest, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Antonee Robinson? Chuck in the fact that it's unclear where Pulisic, Adams and McKennie will all play, and only the full backs are set. That's not great.
JS: Not yet. Pochettino is still in an evaluation phase – although that excuse is out the door after this competition. Come the Gold Cup in June and July, the player pool should be determined. An XI with minor rotation needs to be implemented and that group is that.
RT: No one will want to hear it, but Pochettino is right: this was timed well. It’ll fire up the group and likely humble them a bit. The injured stars will return, players can make their summer moves and everyone can, eventually, move on. Check back in again after the Gold Cup, though. If that goes south, then we can discuss.
ImagnWhat positives can Pochettino take from these games?
TH: All of the right noises are being made about Diego Luna. And sure? Zoom out, and he was impressive for about 45 minutes against Canada. But therein lies the problem. Are we really getting excited about a backup attacking midfielder, with no clear position, who doesn't sniff this XI at full strength? We shouldn't be. It's like getting gassed after your backup point guard gives you 20 good minutes off the bench. That's a pretty weak outlook.
JS: On the contrary, Luna was sensational – his creativity will be so, so important for the U.S. against teams where they need some to experiment. Otherwise, Joe Scally's defensive prowess was really impressive – the U.S. have a really talented defender on their roster. Just not sure he fits the mold of Pochettino's style.
RT: Welcome to the USMNT, Diego Luna! The RSL star is here and here to stay. Pochettino loves his attitude and energy, and there’s plenty to love there going forward. Outside of that, not much. It was a rough week, one that reinforces that spots can and should be up for grabs over the next year.
AFPWhat can Marsch and Canada take from the win over the U.S.?
TH: That they're pretty good without being elite. The Mexico game was a real chance for them to establish themselves as the best side in CONCACAF. Instead, they conceded inside the first minute, and never really grabbed a foothold thereafter. Marsch will be delighted with the win over the USMNT. But this feels like a missed opportunity to bring home a trophy. Still, with Jonathan David on fire and good performances from the likes of Alistair Johnston and Ismael Kone, there's plenty to be excited about. More to come.
JS: Marsch cares an awful lot about the program, and their striker situation is set for the foreseeable future. Tani Oluwaseyi and David both really impressed across the two games.
RT: It just reaffirms what they’ve been saying for some time now: on their best day, they can compete with anyone. Canada have legitimate match-winners in their squad, which often makes the difference. They also have depth and, more importantly, personality. They’re a good team and, while they may not be great in time for 2026, they’re not a team anyone will look forward to playing.
