USA Can Make A Deep Run In The 2026 World Cup

So despite some of the controversies behind Mauricio Pochettino's squad, USA has the ability to make a deep run in the tournament. Yes, that midfield has horrible depth and the lack of a quality option manning the net is frustrating, but it is not all doom and gloom. In this article, it will highlight why USA can make a deep run in the tournament. While unlikely to win it all, don't be totally shocked by the results even if it means a Semi-Final or even Final appearance. Yes, being totally realistic here, but knowing how unlikely it is. So here are the reasons why USA could make a deep run.

The Attack Is Stacked

As talked about in this column, USA's attack is stacked. Looking at the strikers alone, Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi, and Haji Wright present options for Pochettino in order to utilize them, but also a scary presence for opposing defenses. All three are at their best forms coming into the tournament and having three strikers coming into a tournament playing at their best, that's going to be hard to defend and Pochettino could use that to his advantage. Christian Pulisic is clearly the best player on the team, but other wingers such as Tim Weah, Brendan Aaronson, and Alejandro Zendejas shows a lot of attacking options to help distribute the ball, apply pressure, utilizing their speed, and drop into space to be another option. Then you have Malik Tillman and Giovanni Reyna who can play more forward in the attack, but also can fall back as a midfielder. With those two having the ability to press forward, the attack is already strong enough. Weston McKennie does not get enough credit for what he brings to the table, but at midfield, he can also press forward and present as a goal scoring option. Lastly, the fullbacks who can act like wingbacks, Antonee Robinson and Sergino Dest, as both can press forward in the attack, but also fallback to play on defense. If one is to follow the point here, it's that this attack is going to throw the kitchen sink at opposing defenses which is going to be hard to stop. It also presents so much speed, numerous options to utilize when factoring the tactics here, and the ability make opposing defenses stay on their toes when going up against their attack. The depth and the talent here alone speaks volumes, but their speed is going to be a massive factor here.

Versatility

Versatility is always a good thing, but when you have as many options like Pochettino has, then you have a lot to work with in order to be successful. One example is Weah who can play down at the wing can also play as a fullback. Theoretically, this allows Pochettino to play with up to five backs defensively if needed as Weah can drop all the way back from the wing to help defensively. Another option is if another winger might be needed in a certain situation, Pulisic can tuck in as it allows him to be more center to help on defense, positioned well to cover passing lanes and intercept balls, giving the team more of an advantage either in the attack or in defense, and adjust his position based on what the opponent does in their tactics. A couple of things already mentioned is Robinson and Dest pressing forward in the attack, but can also fallback to play as fullbacks. Aaronson, Reyna, and Tillman can also fallback and play in the midfield to help cover when needed, but also push forward in the attack. McKennie is the jack of all trades as he can play as a back, hold things down in the midfield, and be a legit scoring threat. It seems like not only do normal fans of the sport underestimate his value, but so do USA supporters. McKennie is a special player who can help Pochettino is so many different ways. Then, even on defense, Alex Freeman can play as both a centerback and fullback. So, whatever tactics Pochettino might use, he has plenty of options

Pochettino Is A World Class Manager For A Reason

Pochettino is a world class manager for a reason and it will help a lot going into this World Cup. He has the experience of managing in big games, but his tactics are really sound. It will be interesting how he sets things up, but usually playing with three backs and then suddenly have the ability to have four or five depending on the situation only goes to show what he is capable of. Clearly with the lack of depth in the traditional midfield, it can be remedied by the attack and having some guys falling back to help in the midfield. There's only so much McKennie and Tyler Adams can do in the midfield, so having those options mentioned before only helps with what Pochettino can do tactically. While managing a national team is different versus a club, Pochettino has coached some world class players at some of the biggest leagues in the world, he knows what he is doing. Pochettino has seen it all and with his eyes, he will find a way to make USA successful in this World Cup.

There's Experience Here

The team already has plenty of experience here despite being so young. The team has gone through two World Cup cycles already and have played in a World Cup and multiple Nations League and Gold Cups. Combining that with Pochettino and what he brings is a huge reason why they can actually go deep. These guys know what it takes at the big stage, it's just rather the proper guidance is there. Having both talent and experience, it's hard to see why they wouldn't go deep. Is it also mentioned that this crop of players aren't even 28 yet? There is plenty of time for growth.

The Backline

The backline has some depth to it too and depending on some of the tactics here, it can be utilized fine. The fullbacks having Dest and Robinson, plus having Freeman and Weah as options if needed helps as well as Joe Scally too. The centerbacks look more pretty deep in the sense of reliability too as Chris Richards, Tim Ream, and Mark McKenzie helps, plus a player of Auston Trusty's caliber is always nice too. Depending on how Pochettino uses his substitutions, at least he knows that his backline is dependable.

How The Seedings Play Out In Knockout Round

While finishing third certainly won't help them out, but if they finish first or even second, then the pathway to a deep run looks better. Talking about all the possibilities that could happen would make this a longer article than needed, but the point being is that the US could make a deep run going up against sides that would be weaker them. Teams like Iraq, Jordan, Austria, Tunisia, Curacao, Qatar, Canada, or even Bosnia Herzegovina. There's even a case that finishing second could be a better path than finishing in first, but there's a lot of what if there. However, striving for winning the group should be the ultimate goal. The deeper the matchups are in the tournament, the harder it is, but that doesn't mean the US can't win those matchups.

Group D Should Help Prepare Them

While the US should be able to win their group, the teams in it should help them prepare for a deep run. Paraguay is strong and physical on defense, Australia has more structure defensively and great on the set pieces, and Turkey is tactically sound with a great blend of talented youth and experience. That sounds a lot more like a tune up than anything as this will be a competitive group for the Americans, but they're not better sides than USA. The Americans will be playing tougher opponents in the knockout stage, but playing these three will help them when going up against these powerful nations in the sport.

Home Advantage

Playing games at home always helps, but it's different in the World Cup. Sports in USA is incredibly passionate and people will get behind a team if they feel like they are actually trying to compete. These matches will be raucous and it will be hard for many sides to not only have a hard time communicating since these crowds will be loud, plus it's something they have never experienced. This World Cup should show the passion and how strong the backing will be in this tournament. Even the people who only watch the sport every four years in this country will be rabid fans on matchday. Having the crowd on your team's side is always a massive boost.