When US player Antonee Robinson sent a thunderous kick into the back of the net on Saturday in front of 63,000 jubilant fans in Chicago, we got a glimpse of what his team might be able to achieve on home soil during the 2026 World Cup.
The friendly match against Germany ended in a 2-1 defeat for the Americans, but that one goal previewed an electric attack that could generate highlight moments in the tournament. And it showed how US fans are ready to cheer on their team.
The US has an established star in Christian “Captain America” Pulisic, they are the top-ranked team in their group, and their head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, has previously managed powerhouse European teams including PSG and Chelsea.
So, how will the United States men’s national soccer team (USMNT) perform at the World Cup?
John Harkes, who played for the US in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups – and the first American to play in England’s Premier League – told the BBC that there was a “great chance” for the American side to do well in the upcoming tournament.
“I think they’re very talented. But the critical part of any World Cup is that you have to come together as a team, and you need resilience and fight through adversity,” he added. “Sometimes games don’t go your way. At the end of the day, you just need a little luck.”
Many of the US players, Harkes said, now have considerable experience in Europe’s big leagues. He believes that experience – if the players remain fit – will put the team in good stead.
“We’ve had a lot of injuries lately, and being healthy is critical for the World Cup,” he said.
“I hope that the crowd gets behind them,” he added. “In Chicago [versus Germany in Saturday’s friendly] the atmosphere was absolutely incredible. If that’s something they can embrace in a friendly scrimmage, then I’m really excited.”
And while Harkes did not comment on the prospect of the US winning the whole tournament if they advanced from the group stage, he did say “anything is possible from there.”
A Player To Watch
Christian Pulisic: The 27-year-old plays for AC Milan in Italy, and has 86 caps for the national team. Pulisic is the fastest US player to notch 50 goal contributions for his country. He’s always a threat on the attack, and has elite skills with the ball. This could be a defining tournament for the star, who will be looking to secure his legacy. Pulisic has had a goal drought in 2026 and may feel under pressure.
