USMNT World Cup Preview: 5 Key Questions Facing the Americans

The United States is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins June 11. These are the major concerns that fans should have leading up to World Cup 26.

The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) pose during the announcement of the USMNT 2026 World Cup roster in New York on May 26, 2026. Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images

The world’s biggest sporting event is no longer months or weeks away—the 2026 FIFA World Cup is now just days away. It kicks off on June 11, with the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) having its first game the following day. The United States is a co-host, alongside Mexico and Canada, and the prospects for the Americans are as high as they’ve ever been for a World Cup.

However, questions remain regarding their roster, Mauricio Pochettino’s coaching tactics, and even the role that playing on home soil will play. Here are the biggest storylines that USMNT fans should pay attention to both leading up to and during the 2026 World Cup.

1. Can Christian Pulisic Rise to the Occasion?

Let’s start with the current face of American soccer in Christian Pulisic. He began the 2025-26 Series A season on fire, but had been ice-cold for both club and country recently. Prior to scoring against Senegal on May 31, Pulisic hadn’t found the back of the net for either the United States or AC Milan since December 2025, a drought of 21 matches.