World Cup 2026: USA accelerates the development of a new generation of soccer superstars

According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in New York, the U.S. soccer community continues to ask why a country with one of the world's leading sports industries still lacks a truly internationally recognized male superstar. Experts say the issue is not a lack of talent, but rather the need to establish a deep-rooted soccer culture within the community.

Youth development expert Tom Byer believes soccer is deeply tied to culture. In countries like France or Argentina, children begin interacting with the ball at a very early age, laying the groundwork for long-term development. In contrast, soccer has only grown significantly in the U.S. in recent years. However, experts note that more and more American families are encouraging their children to take up the sport from a young age.

On April 15, U.S. Soccer's Sporting Director Matt Crocker affirmed the commitment to reforming the youth training system, aiming for a simpler and more effective development pathway. A key goal is to reduce the financial barriers that existed in the previous training model.

Professor Marije Elferink-Gemser from the University of Groningen (Netherlands), a specialist in sports talent development, argues that children need the freedom to explore and develop their skills in a suitable environment, rather than facing performance pressure too early.

Initial reform efforts are showing positive signs. According to Tom Byer, the first six years of life are crucial for children to become familiar with and develop ball skills. Programs like "Soccer in Schools" and the growth of professional academy systems are helping to improve the quality of young player training in the U.S.

Although still competing with other popular sports, soccer is increasingly capturing the interest of Americans. Hans Vander Elst, Soccer Director at the Belgian consulting firm DoublePass, believes that with the current development roadmap, the U.S. could soon have players ranked among the world's elite.

Experts say that if the U.S. continues to invest systematically in youth soccer and expands the soccer culture within communities, it has the potential to become a true global soccer powerhouse in the coming years.