As 2025 winds to a close, fans of the U.S. Men’s National Team are likely preoccupied with the excitement building for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This year also marks the midpoint of the 2020s, a time that has seen significant developments. For instance, in 2020, few could have anticipated that Mauricio Pochettino would be coaching the U.S. national team or that young star Gio Reyna would finally be positioned to start in three games after years of limited play.
In the world of elite soccer, five years can significantly alter the landscape. With this in mind, here are five audacious predictions for the second half of this dynamic decade.
Co-hosts Create Upsets to Reach World Cup Semi-Finals
Respectfully to my FOX Sports colleagues—Landon Donovan, Brad Guzan, Stu Holden, Cobi Jones, and Alexi Lalas—I was surprised that none of America’s legendary players could keep the U.S. alive in the quarterfinals. For the U.S. to replicate their previous successes in the 2022, 2014, and 2010 World Cups, they’d need to secure a knockout game victory, a feat they’ve achieved only once in ten World Cup participations.
Given their status as a seeded team, the co-hosts are expected to dominate Group D, likely facing a third-place team in the new round of 32. With home-field advantage and national enthusiasm, the U.S. can’t settle for a repeat of its 2002 performance.
In major tournaments, momentum can propel a team further than sheer talent suggests. The last twenty-five years have shown this, as demonstrated by South Korea’s unexpected semi-final run as co-hosts in 2002, Turkey’s similar journey, Greece’s Euro 2004 victory, and Morocco’s fourth-place finish at the last World Cup.
Dreaming big is free. With Pochettino at the helm—who previously propelled Tottenham Hotspur to an unexpected Champions League final in 2029—the U.S. should aim higher. Pochettino has boldly stated that the World Cup trophy is attainable.
Achieving such success requires skill, but also a degree of luck. As Pochettino asks: “Why can’t they make history?”
Christian Pulisic’s Premier League Comeback
After three seasons with the seven-time European champions AC Milan, there’s a genuine chance for Pulisic to claim a title. If he has peaked in Italy, he’s already made a case for being one of the greats, especially after transferring from Chelsea at a bargain price of $20 million in 2023. Having won the Champions League, the pinnacle of club football, he might want to face off against other strong contenders. Although he hasn’t tasted title success since 2013, he did reach the semi-finals just before joining Milan.
With AC Milan likely to return to the Champions League next season after winning the Scudetto this spring, Pulisic’s contract is up next year, and he hasn’t signed an extension, prompting Milan to consider his future sooner rather than later.
Yet, there’s sentiment that Pulisic has unfinished business in England. His intense drive exemplifies the spirit of elite athletes, and the press calls him Captain America for a reason. Leaving London with any hint of disrespect might motivate him to prove he can shine in the Premier League once more.
A Potential Farewell for Jedi in the World Cup
Anthony Robinson, arguably the best left-back in U.S. soccer history, has been a cornerstone of the national team since the 2022 World Cup cycle, playing nearly every minute as they advanced to the Round of 16 in Qatar. Pochettino was pleased to see Robinson finally make his first Premier League start for Fulham this season following knee surgery. As a leader for the United States, Robinson will strive to maximize his abilities next summer.
Given his knee troubles and career challenges, many fans would understand if Robinson decided to retire from international play after the 2026 World Cup to focus on his club career. This would allow the next great player to step in, whether it’s Max Erfsten or a promising talent like Peyton Miller. Until then, U.S. fans should cherish Robinson’s contributions.
Star-Studded Olympic Team for 2028
We may never know how the U.S. men’s Olympic soccer team, featuring stars like Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie, would have fared in the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics. All nine players were eligible for Japan, which had restrictions on age and included three overage exceptions.
The U.S. didn’t even qualify, as FIFA rules didn’t require clubs to release players for the Olympics. As the team targets the 2024 Paris Olympics to end a 16-year absence, they fell short against Morocco in the quarterfinals without key USMNT players.
But no matches were played at home. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles hosting the 2028 Olympics—just two years after the World Cup—the city will be eager to impress. With significant World Cup experience under their belts, veterans like Pulisic will likely team up with younger players, such as Benjamin Kremaski and Diego Kochen. By then, they might have the leverage to negotiate club releases to compete in the games, making a gold medal possible.
Michael Bradley Takes Charge
With Bradley officially appointed head coach of MLS’s New York Red Bulls, it’s time to be specific. One of the all-time greats in U.S. soccer, he was destined to coach. As the son of Bob Bradley—who notably was the first American to coach in the Premier League—Michael has learned the ropes from an early age.
Bob Bradley won accolades with various teams, including an MLS title with Chicago and the FIFA Confederations Cup final in 2009. Michael’s coaching journey began as an assistant to his father before he secured an MLS Next Pro title as coach of the Red Bulls’ second team.
Now in New York, Michael faces the challenge of reviving a Red Bulls side that missed the playoffs for the first time in decades, but underestimating him would be a mistake. Success could mirror that of his father’s former aide, Jesse Marsh, who made a name in Europe thanks to his time with the Red Bulls. With experience playing in several European leagues and as a long-time U.S. national team captain, Michael has the potential for greatness.
In five years, he’ll be just 43, younger than many top coaches today, positioning him well for potential national team leadership. Given his deep connection to the U.S. national team, he may find it hard to resist that opportunity when it inevitably arises.
Fan Take: This news is pivotal for soccer enthusiasts, as it highlights the exciting evolution of U.S. soccer in the lead-up to two major tournaments. With emerging talent and strong leadership, the potential for a resurgent U.S. team makes the sport’s future look bright for fans and players alike.
