USMNT squad needs to take inspiration from 1994 legends

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is two summers away. Yet, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) faces a significant challenge following its recent performance at the Copa América 2024, where the USMNT crashed out in the group stage. Despite obstacles like Tim Weah’s misconduct or Gregg Berhalter’s mismanagement, the team’s resilience was not evident. The Stars and Stripes should have advanced into the knockout stage but lacked a killer edge.

In 2022, the USMNT competed in a complex group at the World Cup in Qatar. A scoreless draw with powerhouse England followed a 1-1 draw with Wales before a 1-0 victory over Iran. With five points in its group, the USMNT advanced to the Round of 16, only to fall to a superior Dutch side.

USMNT takes lessons from 1994 into 2026

Ultimately, just because Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, Giovanni Reyna, and Yunas Musah are Europe’s mainstays does not mean they will translate onto the field at World Cup 2026 as favorites. These contenders can take a page out of World Cup 1994, not just because of the valiant unity of that squad, but because they played in a World Cup on American soil. Their gritty frame of mind inspired a generation of youth soccer in America. Moreover, the intellectual capabilities of Bora Milutinović shone through. the team.

If and when Steve Cherundolo is appointed the new coach of the USMNT, American soccer needs a boss who can manage talent the way Milutinović did with Lalas, Balboa, Harkes, Wynalda and Meola. Steve Cherundolo managed Gareth Bale, Giorgio Chiellini, Carlos Vela, Chicho Arango and Denis Bouanga to a championship. Together, they won the 2022 MLS Cup with LAFC.

Regardless, history repeats itself in 2026. If there is one place where U.S. Soccer can look for inspiration, it is the World Cup from 1994.

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Author : Ardalan Pourvali

Publish date : 2024-07-14 12:00:00

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