As we look ahead to the 2026 World Cup, there’s palpable excitement for the U.S. Men’s National Team as they prepare to face off against top global teams. Set to kick off next summer, this tournament will feature 48 teams—the largest number in history—and will be jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Quick Links: Schedule | Road to the World Cup Final | Independence Day Game? | History and Best Finish
When Will the World Cup Take Place?
The tournament is scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026, culminating with the final match at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Fans can catch all the World Cup action on FOX and the FOX Sports app, offering live broadcasts, highlights, expert commentary, and game replays.
Key USMNT Players to Watch
All eyes are on Christian Pulisic, a 27-year-old winger currently with AC Milan, who has previously played for Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund. As the leading scorer for the USMNT with 32 goals, he also netted a goal in the 2022 World Cup, showcasing his talent on the world stage.
Midfielders Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, each veterans of the last World Cup, are also critical to the team’s strategies, with McKennie playing for Juventus and Adams with AFC Bournemouth in England.
On the defensive end, Chris Richards is emerging as a top centre-back with Crystal Palace, while Matt Freese is anticipated to be the starting goalkeeper after impressive performances with both the USMNT and MLS club NYCFC.
Who is the USMNT’s Manager?
(Photo by John Dorton/ISI Photo/USSF/Getty Images)
Mauricio Pochettino was named the new head coach in September 2024, succeeding Greg Berhalter. An Argentine who played in the 2002 World Cup, Pochettino has coached elite clubs in Europe, including leading Tottenham Hotspur to the Champions League final in 2019 and winning Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain. His current record with the USMNT stands at 13 victories, 7 defeats, and 2 draws.
Who Will the USMNT Face?
The USMNT will find out their three opponents for the group stage during the draw on December 5 at the Kennedy Center, Washington, DC. The team is confirmed to be in Group D, allowing them to play all their matches at home.
USMNT Group Stage Match Locations and Dates
The schedule for their group stage games is as follows:
June 12 vs. TBD — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
June 19 vs. TBD — Lumen Field, Seattle
June 25 vs. TBD — SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Path to the World Cup Finals for the USMNT
(Photo credit: Mike Stobe – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
With the group stage matches confirmed, we can outline how the USMNT can advance to the finals. There are five potential paths based on their group performance.
Winning Group D:
Round of 32 Game – July 1, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Round of 16 Game – July 6, Lumen Field, Seattle
Quarterfinals – July 10, SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
Semifinal Game – July 15, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Final – July 19, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
If They Place Second in Group D:
Round of 32 Game – July 3, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Round of 16 Game – July 7, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Quarterfinals – July 11, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Semifinal Game – July 15, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Final – July 19, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Can the USMNT Play on Independence Day?
The USMNT could potentially play on July 4 only if they do not finish in the top two spots of Group D and qualify as one of the top eight third-place teams, making this a challenging scenario. Here’s how they might make it happen:
Scenario 1
Round of 32 Game — June 29, Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts
Round of 16 Game — July 4, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Quarterfinals – July 9, Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts
Semifinal Game – July 15, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
Final – July 19, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-160ccf97;”>Scenario 2
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-160ccf97;”>Round of 32 Game — June 30, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-160ccf97;”>Round of 16 Game — July 4, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-160ccf97;”>Quarterfinals – July 9, Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-160ccf97;”>Semifinal Game – July 15, AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-160ccf97;”>Final – July 19, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-160ccf97;”>Scenario 3
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-160ccf97;”>In this situation, the team wouldn’t play on July 4 but would still advance as a third-place team.
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-160ccf97;”>Round of 32 Game — July 3, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-160ccf97;”>Round of 16 Match — July 7, BC Place, Vancouver, Canada
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-160ccf97;”>Quarterfinal Game – July 11, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-160ccf97;”>Semifinal Game – July 15, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
<p class=”ff-h fs-16 lh-1pt6 mg-b-15 article-content” use-external-image=”false” data-v-160ccf97;”>Final – July 19, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
What is the History and Best Finishes of the USMNT in the World Cup?
The U.S. Men’s National Team has appeared in 11 FIFA World Cups since their first participation in 1930, returning in 1934, 1950, 1990, 1994 (as host), 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. Their appearance in 2026 will mark their 12th participation and their second time co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico.
The USMNT’s greatest achievement came in 1930 when they reached the semifinals, finishing third as no match was played for third place. In recent years, their standout performance occurred in 2002, where they reached the quarterfinals after beating Portugal in the group stage and defeating Mexico 2-0 in the Round of 16, ultimately losing 1-0 to Germany in a memorable match noted for a controversial missed handball call.
Fan Take: The anticipation surrounding the 2026 World Cup is significant for soccer fans as it showcases the growing prominence of soccer in the U.S. and highlights the nation’s potential on the global stage. This event could galvanize new interest in the sport, inspire future generations, and elevate the overall status of soccer in North America.
