World Cup Preview: The USMNT are Back at the World Cup

Though the US have never been a major soccer nation, they defiantly do have an array of talent that will be present during the 2022 World Cup.

After missing on the 2018 tournament, the Americans also had a shaking qualification for the 2022 tournament. Only getting through on goal differential, despite having some great talent playing across the pond in Europe.

Given their success in CONCACAF in years prior, the United States were pre-seeded into the third round in which they had to place top 3 to guarantee themselves a flight to Qatar.

However, their performance in the group, playing every team in the group both home and away left them level on points with Costa Rica, at 25 points. Going through and claiming third due to goal differential.

This is in stark contrast to their performance in the Nations League and the Gold Cup in which the Americans have dominated, edging out continental rivals Mexico in the 2019/2020 tornament.

It was also here the we saw a new generation of American footballers shine such as Gio Reyna, Christian Pulisic, and Weston McKinnie. All of which are stars on the main stage in Europe.

Player To Watch: Giovanni Reyna

Though born in England, Reyna represents the United States through his parents and actually growing up in the state of New York. Since then he has joined Dortmund’s academy and featured as one of the most promising players on the main team.

Reyna can play as an attacking mid, or a winger, but will likely feature as a left winger for the US. Reyna’s key asset is his ability to dribble a ball and pass it quickly. Reyna is a very complete forward which is impressive given his young age.

Best Player: Christian Pulisic

Nicknamed “Captain America”, Pulisic represented a rise of footballing quality coming from the United States that was unheard of in the modern era. The gifted 2021 Champions League winner is a great attacking threat that enjoys driving the attack forward.

Pulisic’s greatest asset is his nimble movement, quickness, and ability to continue the speed while also dribbling or control the ball when receiving long passes. The 24 year old already has 21 goals in 52 matches for the Stars and Stripes and looks to add to that count.

How They Line Up

The Americans typically line up in a 4-3-3 formation.

They will likely start a midfield of Yousef Musah, Weston Mckinnie, and Tyler Adams. This midfield trio is elite on paper given their talent but they show a lack of depth when compared to the favorites to win.

For wingers Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Timothy Weah, are all options. Meanwhile Brendan Aaronson has been making a name for himself over in the Premier League for Leeds.

However there is a glaring weakness for the Americans in goalie, central defenders, and as a striker. Gregg Berhalter has not been able to find consistantency in these positions.

Walker Zimmerman is the only player that will likely be a consistent (as a center back) for the positions listed.

Expectations

The United States has shown that they can produce great and arguably world class talent. However this tournament should be seen as an ode to that and a stepping stone for 2026, where they will co-host the tournament. The expectation is to make it out of the group stage, and anything else is a bonus.