With the October friendlies confirmed against Ecuador and Australia, along with matches against Japan and South Korea in November, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) is preparing for a challenging 2025 season. Due to the hosting of the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, the upcoming friendlies are important tests to address critical questions facing the team.

Since their success in the 2022 World Cup, where they triumphed over Iran, the USMNT has struggled against top 20 FIFA-ranked teams internationally. With high expectations ahead of the 2026 World Cup, they need to prove themselves against top-ranked rivals despite their prior success against lower-ranked teams.

The recent Gold Cup showcased promising performances from players like Diego Luna and Malik Tillman, yet challenges arose as key players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie were unable to participate due to Club World Cup commitments. The return of these prominent players in the fall does not guarantee their positions in the national team.

Concerns regarding playing time emerge for players including Yunus Musah, Gio Reyna, and Tim Weah; unresolved issues could see them excluded from the World Cup squad. These variables, among others, comprise significant aspects of the USMNT’s journey leading into the year.

Will key transfers succeed?

The summer transfer window sees various players either moving or poised to secure transfers to new clubs. Johnny Cardoso, Malik Tillman, Patrick Agyemang, and Damion Downs are among those changing clubs during this period. While joining new teams can elevate performance ahead of the World Cup, it also introduces risks that could leave the USMNT short on regular starters.

Assessments of moves, like Tillman’s to Leverkusen, will be vital; if he fails to impress, he may not have extended opportunities to prove himself.

A reliable striker is essential

As the role of strikers becomes clearer after the Gold Cup, Agyemang is emerging as a leading contender, competing with Ricardo Pepi and Folarin Balogun for a World Cup position. While Balogun remains a notable addition to the squad, injuries in previous seasons have clouded his performance prospects. Pepi, showcasing strong scoring potential at PSV, will need to maintain his prolific scoring record to solidify his standing among forwards.

Focus on Pochettino’s strategies

With Mauricio Pochettino nearing a year in his role, optimizing team tactics remains a high priority. The Gold Cup provided insight into effective set plays, yet some tactical decisions raised concerns. For instance, Pochettino’s reluctance to adjust formations to bolster defensive units has drawn scrutiny. The effectiveness of strategies leading up to the World Cup will be crucial as the team prepares for challenging friendlies.

Tyler Adams’ vital role

Tyler Adams’ performance during the Gold Cup fell short of expectations, particularly after a demanding season marred by injuries. His significance for the team is undeniable; if he fails to deliver a strong performance leading into the World Cup, the team could face difficulties advancing past the group stage. Adams is positioned as a pivotal player alongside others such as Christian Pulisic and Tim Ream in ensuring success throughout the tournament.