USMNT’s World Cup Prep: Is Their Schedule Tough Enough?

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) is under the spotlight not just for its talent but also for how it’s preparing. With the tournament set to be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the USMNT has automatically qualified. This places even greater emphasis on the importance of their pre-World Cup schedule. The question remains: is it strong enough?

‎

‎The USMNT’s preparation includes a combination of competitive tournaments and high-profile friendlies. In March 2025, the team will compete in the CONCACAF Nations League Finals, a tournament they’ve taken seriously in recent years. While the competition provides regional intensity, it doesn’t fully replicate the challenges posed by world-class teams outside CONCACAF.

‎

‎June 2025 brings friendlies against South American giants Colombia and Brazil. These matches are crucial, giving the USMNT exposure to faster-paced, technically superior teams. Facing opponents like Brazil, known for their attacking flair, and Colombia, with their physicality and skill, should test the squad’s defensive organization and adaptability.

‎

‎Summer 2025 will see the USMNT compete in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, where they’ll aim to dominate regional competition. However, while winning the Gold Cup is prestigious, it still raises the concern that the team isn’t facing enough varied international opposition. Preparing for a World Cup means facing teams with different tactical styles, and limiting preparation to mostly CONCACAF opponents may not be enough.

‎

‎Critics argue that the USMNT should schedule additional friendlies against European heavyweights or top African and Asian sides. Such matchups would not only expose players to different tactical systems but also highlight areas needing improvement before the World Cup.

‎

‎In summary, the USMNT’s schedule is decent, with competitive matches that should build team chemistry and sharpen skills. However, for a team with high expectations on home soil, ramping up the level of competition could be the difference between an early exit and a deep tournament run.