Gold Cup Was Big USMNT Test for FIFA World Cup 2026

The Gold Cup was a big test for the USMNT on the Road to FIFA World Cup 2026. The USMNT lost the Gold Cup Final to Mexico with 1-2. Coach Mauricio Pochettino could learn a lot about his team during the last few weeks. Due to several key players missing, a lot of secondary players received their chance in the spotlight. The Gold Cup was very important for Team USA since those were the last competitive games for the USMNT until their first World Cup game next year. Until then, there are only exhibition games on the schedule.

The USMNT Game Plan

The game plan for the USMNT at the Gold Cup was to dominate the game by a 4-2-3-1 formation and possession of the ball. Ball possession play needs a high level of creativity and skills. These fundamental skills are primarily developed in the ages below 14.

Since the higher competitiveness at the FIFA World Cup 2026, the game plan for the USMNT may differ next year. A more defensive approach may position the players deeper lying, closer towards the own goal. Also, formational changes to a 3-4-3 or a 5-3-2 can bring Team USA more defensive stability. Both changes narrow the space in the own half, making it harder for opponents to score. On offense, there would be more open space between USA forwards and the goal. This could compliment quick players with great dribbling and finishing skills, such as Pulisic, Weah, or Reyna.

In preparation to the Gold Cup, the USMNT played a good game versus Turkey and an average game versus Switzerland. Hence, the starting line-up from the Turkey game became the foundation of the Gold Cup XI. Only, Arfsten and Berhalter ‘survived’ from the Switzerland line-up. Maybe some of the key players were missing for this tournament, but a competitive group was formed. The Gold Cup showed that the USMNT has more than just one great player per position.

Gold Cup Final between the USMNT and Mexico, on Road to FIFA World Cup 2026.

Who are the USMNT Gold Cup rising stars?

Coach Mauricio Pochettino needs to select 26 players for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Until then, he will work with a core roster of about 50 players. You never know how the next 12 months will turn out in terms of individual performance, momentum, and injuries. Having options makes the coaches’ job easier.

Matt Freese is one of the big Gold Cup winners. The New York FC goalkeeper has become one such option for Coach Pochettino and will compete for the spot in goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Also, a Gold Cup winner is Max Arfsten. After great performances all season at Columbus, the leftback convinced on international level, assisting three goals and scoring one by himself in this Gold Cup campaign. Accurate crosses and high workrate, that is what a coach wants in a wingback. In kids soccer practice, you want to focus on passing first. Later, increase passing distances and play long balls to improve your crossing abilities.

Diego Luna is the rising star of the Gold Cup. Scoring three and assisting two goals, he is heavily accountable for the USMNT reaching the Gold Cup final. Size does not matter. People should know that since Lionel Messi. Diego Luna shows tight dribblings, quick change of directions and danger around the box. In order to develop soccer players like Diego Luna, youth soccer coaching must support shorter, skinnier players, and late-bloomers more gametime!

San Diego FC player Luca De La Torre is one of the big Gold Cup winners. The CM appeared in 6 games, creating 7 chances, and convinced with an incredible pass accuracy of 92% throughout the entire tournament! The San Diego native will be on the FIFA World Cup 2026 roster.

Gold Cup was a big chance for the USMNT on the Road to FIFA World Cup 2026

The Gold Cup was a big chance for the USMNT on the Road to FIFA World Cup 2026. Mauricio Pochettino could study his players abilities and team dynamics. Those weeks in June were a great opportunity to consolidate team tactics and to bond as a team. Some players showed their talent and importance to the team. At the FIFA World Cup next year, not all the 26 players will get gametime. Even more important that Coach Pochettino has a tight knit group of friends together and team atmosphere stays positive. The goal for the USMNT at the FIFA World Cup 2026 must be the Quarterfinals. Until then, the USMNT has more friendly games to come. The next double header will be in September, versus South Korea and Japan.