The USMNT's to-do list before the 2026 World Cup, ranked by urgency

The echoes of the recent Gold Cup disappointment still reverberate, a stark reminder that despite a promising core of talent, the United States Men's National Team is far from a finished product. With the 2026 World Cup on home soil looming large, the pressure to not just compete, but genuinely contend, is immense. The next two years aren't just about playing games; they're about strategic evolution. The Gold Cup exposed vulnerabilities that must be addressed with laser focus. Here are five critical areas the USMNT must tackle before the world arrives on their doorstep, ranked by their immediate urgency.

**5. Developing Tactical Versatility and a Robust Plan B** For too long, the USMNT has often appeared rigid in its tactical approach, largely adhering to a 4-3-3 formation regardless of the opponent or in-game circumstances. While a clear identity is valuable, predictability is a fatal flaw in international football. Elite teams possess the ability to shift formations, adapt pressing schemes, or alter their build-up play on the fly. The Gold Cup highlighted instances where the primary strategy was stifled, and there seemed to be a lack of coherent alternatives to unlock stubborn defenses or counter aggressive opponents. The coaching staff must cultivate a squad capable of seamlessly transitioning between systems – perhaps a 3-5-2 or a more compact 4-2-3-1 – ensuring the team has multiple pathways to victory when their preferred method is neutralized. This isn't about abandoning an identity, but enriching it with strategic flexibility.

**4. Fortifying Defensive Midfield Depth and Identity** Tyler Adams’ importance to the USMNT cannot be overstated; his absence due to injury was acutely felt in the Gold Cup. He is the engine, the disruptor, and the primary link between defense and attack. However, relying so heavily on one player, especially one prone to injuries, is a precarious position. The team desperately needs to identify and integrate at least one, if not two, additional defensive midfielders who can competently perform Adams’ role or offer a complementary skillset. This isn't just about like-for-like replacements; it's about developing a robust midfield structure that can withstand pressure, protect the backline, and initiate attacks consistently. Whether it’s through developing current prospects or scouting new talent, the foundation of the team’s defensive integrity and transition play hinges on this position.

**3. Cultivating a Clinical and Consistent Striker** The "No. 9 problem" has plagued the USMNT for what feels like an eternity. While Folarin Balogun's emergence offers significant hope, and Ricardo Pepi has shown flashes, the team still lacks a truly prolific and consistent goalscorer who can reliably convert chances at the highest level. The Gold Cup, even with a rotated squad, underscored the team’s struggles in front of goal against organized defenses. World Cup knockout matches are often decided by fine margins, where one moment of individual brilliance or clinical finishing can be the difference. The focus needs to be on not just finding a striker, but one who possesses the composure, movement, and predatory instinct to finish difficult chances under immense pressure. This requires dedicated coaching, strategic integration, and providing ample opportunities for the chosen few to hone their craft.

**2. Defining and Empowering a Core Leadership Group** Beyond the captain's armband, a truly successful team possesses a cadre of leaders on the field who can self-organize, communicate effectively, and take ownership when games are not going to plan. The Gold Cup revealed moments where the team appeared to lack vocal leadership and tactical adjustments from within the playing group during challenging periods. While players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie lead by example with their effort and talent, the USMNT needs players who can consistently direct traffic, motivate teammates, challenge decisions, and maintain composure under duress. This isn't something that can be appointed; it must be cultivated through experience, trust, and shared responsibility, fostering a collective mentality where every player feels empowered to contribute to problem-solving in real-time.