The recent international window concluded with disappointment for the United States men`s national team. However, optimistically, the upcoming Gold Cup offers another chance to prove that the losses to Panama and Canada were merely temporary setbacks, not a worrying trend as they look towards the World Cup.
Typically, the summer between major international tournaments provides rest for key USMNT players. The Gold Cup usually occurs in years between the Concacaf Nations League and the World Cup. However, this summer might be different. With the United States, Canada, and Mexico co-hosting the 2026 World Cup and automatically qualifying, they will not participate in Concacaf World Cup qualification, which resumes in June.
Without these competitive qualifying matches and with Concacaf schedules booked through the World Cup for major nations, maximizing the summer window is essential for the USMNT. It presents their best opportunity to face strong opponents before the lead-up to the World Cup. U.S. Soccer seems to recognize this, scheduling summer friendlies against Türkiye and Switzerland in early June, prior to the Gold Cup.
Facing strong teams in friendlies is valuable, and it suggests the possibility of fielding a first-team squad for the Gold Cup, rather than a team primarily composed of domestic-based players. A key difference between club and international management is consistent training time, which coaches like Mauricio Pochettino need to optimize their squads.
The USMNT only had three days of training before the Concacaf Nations League, compared to players in the January camp who had several weeks with the coach. With the first friendly on June 7th and the Gold Cup final on July 6th, Pochettino could potentially have a month with the team if they reach the final. This period is critical for World Cup preparation, especially with Saudi Arabia participating in the Gold Cup as an invited team.
The USMNT could face up to eight teams ranked in the FIFA top 60 and is guaranteed to play at least two teams in the top 30. This extended time together against strong opposition is a vital opportunity for team development.
Their defense appeared disjointed against Canada, and such issues require time and repetition to resolve. Pochettino would have time to address mistakes and help the team develop new strategies, such as breaking down defensive formations. Pochettino mentioned that teams building towards a World Cup often don`t fully come together until closer to the tournament. He urged fans to remain optimistic and avoid negativity.
The best way to alleviate concerns is to win games and play well. This extended summer window offers the USMNT a chance to demonstrate improvement. Their Nations League performances highlighted the need for growth, and a summer without club commitments could be exactly what they need to overcome their recent struggles.
