With a World Cup on home soil and a chance to change soccer\u2019s position for the better in the United States, 2026 stands as the most significant opportunity for the U.S. men\u2019s national team in its history.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Generation-changing success has been the goal since the U.S., Canada, and Mexico won their united World Cup bid in 2018, and there is no better way to grow American soccer than for the U.S. men\u2019s national team to make a deep run.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Here, Sports Illustrated makes five bold predictions for the USMNT in 2026.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Max Arfsten has become a key player under Mauricio Pochettino. \/ Howard Smith\/ISI Photos\/USSF\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
There is no January camp for the USMNT this year, a step away from a regular part of the usual calendar for the U.S. and Canada. Yet the 2025 January camp, the first under Mauricio Pochettino, looks likely to have been formative, potentially lofting several players to their first World Cup.\u00a0<\/p>\n
We\u2019re predicting that three players who came into that camp uncapped by the USMNT will make the roster. Notably, New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese is poised to start between the sticks, while Columbus Crew wingback Max Arfsten has been a key contributor to Pochettino\u2019s setup. <\/p>\n
Also likely included in the roster will be Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, who impressed with the Stars and Stripes after making his debut at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Gio Reyna is dreaming of a spot at the 2026 World Cup. \/ Robin Alam\/ISI Photos\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
Gio Reyna had mainly been on the outside looking in on the USMNT picture since a falling-out with former manager Gregg Berhalter at the 2022 World Cup. For 2025, though, he stands as a potential starter in midfield, given his recent improvements in the Bundesliga with Borussia M\u00f6nchengladbach.<\/p>\n
Pochettino has insisted that club form and fit within his system are more important than the best r\u00e9sum\u00e9 when selecting his lineups, making Reyna a potential candidate to start some of the most critical games in American history after resettling into the USMNT with three goal contributions in October.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The USMNT hope to make some noise at the World Cup. \/ Mandel NGAN\/Pool\/Getty Images<\/p>\n
With the World Cup in front of home supporters, there is a golden opportunity for the USMNT to make a deep run in the tournament. Why not make a semifinal?<\/p>\n
Pochettino\u2019s men finished 2025 with five straight games undefeated against top-30 opposition, winning four in that stretch against Japan, Australia, Paraguay and Uruguay, primarily due to improved play following a shift to a three-man backline.\u00a0<\/p>\n