World Cup 2026: The United States bets on its golden generation

According to a TTXVN correspondent in New York, US soccer experienced a turbulent period after the defeat at the 2024 Copa América. The early elimination of the men's team prompted the US Soccer Federation to overhaul the coaching staff and appoint Mauricio Pochettino, a strategist who has led several top European clubs.

To bring the Argentine manager to lead the national team, a group of private sponsors and US billionaires provided financial support. This is considered one of the largest investments ever made for the national team, demonstrating the determination to elevate US soccer ahead of the World Cup.

Under Pochettino, the US team experienced some disappointing results but has gradually shown improvement. Victories over Uruguay in late 2025 and Senegal at the end of last May helped the team regain confidence ahead of the world's biggest soccer festival.

Alongside the changes on the coaching bench is the maturation of the 'golden generation' of US players, notably captain Christian Pulisic. Since his European debut with Dortmund in 2016, Pulisic has become a symbol of the wave of American players conquering top global leagues.

The $73 million transfer to Chelsea not only marked a turning point in Pulisic's career but also helped change European clubs' perception of American players. Following his success, many national team players like Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, and Tim Weah have also made their names in top European leagues.

At 27, Pulisic remains the biggest hope for the US team. However, the AC Milan star has repeatedly emphasized that success at the World Cup will depend on collective strength rather than individual effort.

With strong investment in facilities, youth development systems, and the national team, US soccer is entering the 2026 World Cup with a different mindset. The goal is no longer just to participate or advance past the group stage, but to compete on equal footing with the world's top teams on home soil.