Clint Dempsey believes that performing well in the upcoming friendly matches will encourage American fans to attend next year’s World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino, the coach of the US men’s national team, along with current players, highlighted the enthusiastic support for Guatemala and Mexico during matches in St. Louis and Houston.
“We’ve seen a significant crowd presence in essential matches at the semi-finals and finals. More often than not, we’ve had more fans rooting for the opposing team. The national team is showcasing skills that people are willing to pay to see,” Dempsey remarked during a recent Associated Press interview. “This can inspire fans to return and support the team, as they appreciate both the competitiveness and the quality of play.”
The Americans are set to play ten friendlies on FIFA’s international dates, beginning the World Cup cycle in June with matches scattered across September, October, November, and the following March. "I want to see a team that plays exciting football—whether it’s defensively organized, transitioning forward, creating chances, or scoring goals," Dempsey expressed. "I want to witness the same fight and determination we saw in the Gold Cup."
Dempsey, who shares a record of 57 international goals with Landon Donovan, recalled his experiences with the US team. He participated in the group stage of the 2006 World Cup and advanced to the Round of 16 in 2010 and 2014, but he missed the 2018 tournament. He noted a positive shift after the team qualified for the Round of 16 in 2022, attributing it to a blend of new energy and the departure of veteran players. Aside from defender DeAndre Yedlin, who has been with the team since 2014, most of the lineup has changed.
Despite previous successes in the CONCACAF Nations League, the US faced challenges in the 2024 Copa America and has made coaching changes, replacing Greg Berhalter with Pochettino after recent losses in league semifinals and Gold Cup finals.
“There hasn’t been much of a mix with older players I’ve learned from over the years," Dempsey reflected. "Sometimes, there’s a need for a shake-up. I’m unsure if it’s an issue of ego or something else affecting our progress.” He emphasized the importance of players feeling they have to fight for their starting positions through practice.
Dempsey and his wife Bethany, with their six children, are keeping busy; their son Jackson is set to join an academy team in Charlotte. While he didn’t anticipate remaining in the football scene beyond retirement, he’s now enjoying his role as a broadcaster.
At the upcoming World Cup, the US will benefit from being one of three co-hosts, allowing them to avoid top-tier teams in the group stage and possibly giving them a better chance to advance if they perform well.
“If we analyze the situation realistically," Dempsey stated, "there’s a chance for something special, and we need to seize that opportunity. Having our best players on the field is essential.”
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the resurgence of the US men’s national team and its potential to captivate local audiences ahead of the World Cup. A successful run in friendlies could invigorate American support and lead to a memorable tournament experience for both players and fans alike.
