USMNT
Everything you need to know: The FIFA U-20 World Cup
The long-awaited return of the U-20 World Cup is just a few days away, and after months of speculation, the tournament is finally set to go ahead in Argentina. The United States will be one of 24 teams vying to be crowned U-20 world champions, and to win a trophy that hasn’t been awarded since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite several key absences, Mikey Varas’ team is still considered one of the strongest ever sent to the tournament by the U.S., and they’ll be on a mission to make a statement to the rest of the world.
What is the U.S.’s history in the U-20 World Cup?
The U.S. has traditionally performed well at the U-20 level and has reached the quarterfinals of the last three editions in 2015, 2017, and 2019. The Americans have only missed qualification once since 1995, and since 1989, they’ve reached the knockout stages in 11 of the 13 editions of the competition. Their best finish was 4th place in 1989 led by Kasey Keller and Chris Henderson, and while they’ve consistently gone far in the tournament, that remains the only semifinal appearance for the U.S. in history.
Each of the last few U-20 cycles has produced at least a few senior national team players, and the majority of the current senior team played for the youth national teams at some point. Current USMNT players who shone at the U-20 World Cup in recent cycles include Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, Mark McKenzie, Tim Weah (2019), Tyler Adams, Josh Sargent (2017), Cameron Carter-Vickers, Erik Palmer-Brown (2015 and 2017), Matt Miazga, Paul Arriola (2015), Zack Steffen, Kellyn Acosta (2013 and 2015), DeAndre Yedlin (2013), and Sean Johnson (2009).
Who will the U.S. face?
The U.S. was drawn as the top-seeded team in Group B alongside Ecuador, Fiji, and Slovakia. Naturally, Ecuador stands out as the biggest test among the group stage opponents; they were the team that knocked out the U.S. en route to a third-place finish in 2019, and boast one of the top young talent pools in the world. Slovakia will also prove a difficult test, having drawn the U.S. earlier this year and qualifying out of a crowded European region. Fiji, admittedly, should be a cakewalk; they qualified as the second-placed team in Oceania, who are granted two berths for competitions such as these.
All three of the U.S. group matches will be held at Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario. The newly-renovated 25,000 seater stadium in San Juan, Argentina, has hosted a few big games in the past, including a 2022 World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Brazil. It is one of the four Argentine venues for the competition, with the others being at Estadio Único Diego Armando Maradona (La Plata), Estadio Único Madre de Ciudades (Santiago del Estero), and Estadio Malvinas Argentinas (Mendoza).
The tournament will be played between May 20th and June 11th.
Who is on the U.S. roster?
The full roster selected by coach Mikey Varas is listed below. All players born January 1st, 2003, and later were available for selection, barring those who are injured or were not released by their clubs:
GOALKEEPERS (3): 21-Alex Borto (Fulham/ENG; South Plainfield, N.J.; 2/0), 12-Antonio Carrera (FC Dallas; Frisco, Texas; 4/0), 1-Gaga Slonina (Chelsea/ENG; Addison, Ill.; 5/0)
DEFENDERS (7): 17-Justin Che (Hoffenheim/GER; Dallas, Texas; 6/0), 5-Brandan Craig (Philadelphia Union; Philadelphia, Pa.; 10/1), 2-Mauricio Cuevas (LA Galaxy; Los Angeles, Calif.; 13/1), 14-Marcus Ferkranus (LA Galaxy; Santa Clarita, Calif.; 11/0), 13-Jonathan Gomez (Real Sociedad/ESP; Keller, Texas; 6/0), 3-Caleb Wiley (Atlanta United FC; Atlanta, Ga.; 5/0), 4-Joshua Wynder (Louisville City FC; Louisville, Ky.; 2/0)
MIDFIELDERS (7): 6-Daniel Edelman (New York Red Bulls; Warren, N.J.; 10/0), 10-Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake; Sunnyvale, Calif.; 16/4), 8-Jack McGlynn (Philadelphia Union; Middle Village, N.Y.; 16/2), 20-Rokas Pukstas (Hajduk Split/CRO; Stillwater, Okla.; 12/1), 15-Niko Tsakiris (San Jose Earthquakes; Saratoga, Calif.; 5/3), 18-Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders FC; Anchorage, Alaska; 4/0), 16-Owen Wolff (Austin FC; Austin, Texas; 3/1)
FORWARDS (4): 9-Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes; Ceres, Calif.; 7/2), 11-Kevin Paredes (Wolfsburg/GER; South Riding, Va.; 6/2), 7-Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union; Philadelphia, Pa.; 15/7), 19-Darren Yapi (Colorado Rapids; Denver, Colo.; 3/0)
Who won’t be there?
A point of controversy over the last few months has been the release of players for the U-20 World Cup. Several of the top players in the 2003/2004 age group were not permitted by their clubs to miss league games to go to the tournament.
The most notable absence, for this reason, is Brian Gutiérrez, who has had a breakout season for the Chicago Fire and has been their best attacking player so far in 2023. This tournament would have been a great opportunity for him to showcase himself on the global stage, but his importance to the club came first. Paxten Aaronson, who won the Golden Ball and the Golden Boot at the CONCACAF U-20 Championship last year, was not released by Eintracht Frankfurt after earning numerous first team appearances this Spring. The third likely starter who wasn’t released was Jalen Neal, who would have been the team’s most experienced defender and most important center back.
A few other players won’t be there either. Ricardo Pepi is age-eligible but was not brought as he has graduated to the senior national team. CONCACAF Championship Golden Glove winner Chris Brady could have possibly pushed for the starting goalkeeper job, but as he is the starter in Chicago as well, he was not released. Noel Buck, an ‘05, was arguably a roster snub, as he is enjoying an excellent season with New England. Alex Alvarado didn’t make the cut after shining at the CONCACAF Championship. Caden Clark, Michael Halliday, Noah Allen, Thomas Williams, and Jackson Hopkins are some other players who have been involved previously during the cycle but didn’t make the final squad.
Kevin Paredes and Rokas Pukštas will both join the team late and arrive in time for the knockout stages. They were not released by their clubs, as Wolfsburg have key matches in the hunt for Europe, and Split has a Croatian Cup final. Cade Cowell is suspended for the first match due to a suspension picked up during a brawl at the CONCACAF Championship.
Who are the players to watch?
Despite a few key absences that lower the ceiling of this team, there are still several players who have very bright futures in front of them, and are certainly worth keeping an eye on during this tournament.
Gaga Slonina is the big blue-chip talent of this cycle. The Addison, Illinois native and Chicago Fire Academy product had a steller 2022 campaign in MLS, keeping 12 clean sheets, and earned a blockbuster $15 million transfer to English giants Chelsea. His game is very well-rounded, as he is competent with his feet in addition to his strong shot-stopping ability. While he has some areas to improve, particularly his decision-making, Gaga is well on his way to becoming one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and could soon challenge to break into the senior USMNT.
Perhaps the most talented outfield player in this group is Kevin Paredes, who has already broken into top-half Bundesliga club Wolfsburg. Had some poorly-timed injuries not gotten in the way, there’s a very real shot that he would have made the 2022 senior team World Cup roster, and he was even close to making the Gold Cup roster as far back as 2021. The dynamic winger, who can play on either side or as a left back, will have the opportunity to showcase his excellent dribbling ability and clinicality in the final third if the U.S. advances to the knockout stages.
Left back is arguably the strongest position on the roster. Not only was Caleb Wiley released for the tournament by Atlanta United, but Jonathan Gómez is also a part of the group to head to Argentina. Wiley has had a phenomenal start to the season with Atlanta, breaking into their lineup and registering numerous goal contributions. After making his senior USMNT debut with a brief cameo against Mexico last month, he’ll be looking to raise his stock even further at the U-20 level, whether that be at left back or on the wing. Gómez’s momentum has slowed down over the last year and a half, but he is still a tremendously talented player, who will be very valuable for this group.
In addition to Slonina, Wiley, and Gómez, there is one other player with senior men’s national team appearances: Cade Cowell. The 19-year-old has had his ups and downs in his young career, but should still be a dangerous player at the U-20 level. His pace and athleticism bring something different to the U.S. attack, and he’s shown in friendlies that he can play on the international stage. His San Jose teammate, Niko Tsakiris, was a surprise inclusion since he was recovering from a long injury layoff. He was born in 2005, and is one of three players in the team playing up a cycle.
Joshua Wynder is one of them. The Benfica-bound Louisville City center back is America’s top defensive prospect at the moment, and he has forced his way into this team over the last few months. Breaking into a team two years up, especially as a center back, is not a small feat, and this World Cup will be a great opportunity for Wynder to showcase himself ahead of his European move. Obed Vargas, of the Seattle Sounders, is also only 17, and he just came back from a months-long back injury. Vargas, who was born in Anchorage, Alaska, is a great midfield talent who broke into the Sounders team over a year ago and helped them win the CONCACAF Champions League when he was just 16.
The Philadelphia Union trio of Brandan Craig, Jack McGlynn, and Quinn Sullivan are all likely starters. McGlynn in particular is worth keeping an eye on, as he has broken into Jim Curtin’s starting XI for an immensely talented Union team that reached MLS Cup last season. Roka Pukštas has improved leaps and bounds since the CONCACAF Championship last year, and is now a regular starter for Hajduk Split in Croatia; in this tournament, he’ll be playing for a move to a bigger European league, and there’s no doubt scouts from the top five leagues will be watching. One-time Bayern Munich loanee Justin Che returns to the group; he’ll likely play right back and will be hoping to get back on most peoples’ radars after failing to break in with Hoffenheim over the past twelve months. He still has the talent to be a top defender, but he hasn’t had the opportunity to prove it yet.
How will the U.S. line up?
Are there any players from other teams to keep an eye on?
Many countries had the same release issues that the U.S. had for this tournament; in fact, France had as many as 28 players blocked from participating. Nonetheless, several top prospects will be in Argentina this month.
One player the U.S. will have to contain will be Ecuador’s Kendry Páez. The 2007-born midfielder just celebrated his 16th birthday last week but is already a first team player for Independiente del Valle, and the teenage sensation has agreed to join Chelsea when he turns 18. 19-year-old Nilson Angulo is another Ecuadorian player to watch out for, as he has broken through with Anderlecht and has been capped by the senior national team.
Italy are bringing Simone Pafundi to the World Cup; the 17-year-old became the third youngest player in history – and the youngest in over a century – to debut for the Italian national team when he appeared against Albania last November at 16. Chelsea loanee Andrey Santos will captain Brazil at the World Cup having made his senior international debut earlier this year. England are bringing several familiar names as a part of their squad, most notably Chelsea prospects Carney Chukwuemeka and Harvey Vale. Liam Delap and Canada-born Daniel Jebbison are also included. The host, Argentina, will be led by Máximo Perrone, a Manchester City prospect who was called up to the senior national team in March.
Yáser Asprilla is one of Colombia’s top prospects. The Envigado product now plays for Watford in the Championship, for whom he appeared 37 times this season, and he’s been capped twice by Colombia. A trio of U.S.-born players will join him in Colombia’s team: Juan Castilla, Devan Tanton, and Fernando Álvarez. Both Castilla and Tanton have represented U.S. teams in the past, while Álvarez was born in New York City but is also eligible for Mexico.
CONCACAF nations are littered with Americans, and while Mexico didn’t qualify this time around, the delegations from Guatemala, Dominican Republic, and Honduras include plenty of U.S.-eligible players. The most significant are FC Cincinnati’s Arquimides Ordóñez (Guatemala), Inter Miami’s David Ruiz (Honduras) and Edison Azcona (Dominican Republic), and Houston’s Xavier Valdez (Dominican Republic), who is particularly notable as he was called up by the U.S. earlier in the cycle.
A few other Americans are scattered elsewhere. Japan’s star center back, Anrie Chase, is U.S.-eligible, as he is the son of an American father. The Stuttgart defender has trained with Japan’s senior team, so it currently seems unlikely he’ll ever represent the United States. The Israeli team is the reason that the tournament was moved last-minute from Indonesia to Argentina, and they contain one American-born player; El Yam Kancepolsky of Hapoel Tel Aviv was born in Honolulu, ensuring that with the help of Obed Vargas, both Alaska and Hawaii will be represented at this World Cup.
How can I watch?
The group stage matches will be held this week, on May 20th, 23rd, and 26th. The matches will be shown on Fox Sports networks and on Telemundo. All networks are subject to change.
U.S.A. vs. Ecuador – May 20th – 2pm ET – Fox Soccer Plus/Telemundo
U.S.A. vs. Fiji – May 23rd – 2pm ET – FS2/Telemundo/NBC Universo
U.S.A. vs. Slovakia – May 26th – 2pm ET – FS2/Telemundo/NBC Universo
USMNT
The No. 9 Timeline: A Historical Look at USMNT Strikers
Thomas Deschaine (@uskeeper on X and us_keeper on Instagram)
Each generation of soccer can be understood through overlapping eras, each one feeding into the next. Some produce deeper pools of talent, while others rely on a handful of standout players. In a recent piece, I looked back at past USMNT goalkeepers and their impact on World Cup teams. That led to a natural follow-up: a deeper dive into the history of USMNT strikers.
For this article, I’ve divided that history into three distinct eras, focusing strictly on past strikers rather than the current pool. I’ll wrap up, however, with some thoughts on where today’s active strikers fit into that broader timeline. For each era I will spotlight four strikers.
According to their media guide, the modern era of the USMNT begins with the 1990 World Cup cycle. While that framing makes some sense, it does gloss over some of the program’s more challenging decades. For the purposes of this, though, we’ll start there as well, especially considering that from 1974 to 1986, the USMNT averaged fewer than 20 matches per cycle and scored less than a goal per game across those four cycles.
Trailblazers: The Early Era of USMNT Strikers
The story of USMNT strikers stretches back nearly 40 years, to a time when goals were often hard to come by, but a handful of players still managed to leave a lasting impression. This was an era defined less by consistent production and more by moments, flashes of quality that stood out during a formative period for the program.
Players like Chris Sullivan, Eric Eichmann, Frank Klopas, and Roy Wegerle all played roles in at least one World Cup cycle and delivered important goals along the way. However, consistency and longevity at the international level proved elusive, reflecting the broader challenges the USMNT faced during this period.
Even so, these players helped lay the groundwork for future generations, establishing the foundation for what the striker position would eventually become.
Bruce Murray (1985 – 1993)
85 Caps, 21 goals, 11 assists
A quick, opportunistic forward known for his movement and ability to capitalize on chances, Bruce Murray was the type of striker the USMNT hadn’t truly seen before. He filled that role throughout the 1990 cycle and into the lead-up to 1994, emerging as the team’s leading scorer during that stretch and helping guide the U.S. to its first World Cup appearance since 1950. At the 1990 World Cup, Murray contributed a goal and an assist, highlighting his impact on the international stage.
Despite his contributions, Murray was ultimately left off the 1994 World Cup squad, one of the final cuts as the program began to turn toward younger options and players competing in Europe at the time.
Eric Wynalda (1990 – 2000)
106 Caps, 34 goals, 17 assists
The premier striker of this era for the USMNT, Eric Wynalda featured in three consecutive World Cups. A dynamic and confident forward, he combined technical ability with a powerful shot, making him a constant goal threat and the focal point of the U.S. attack.
His iconic set-piece goal against Switzerland in the USMNT’s opening match of the 1994 FIFA World Cup remains one of the greatest in tournament history and stands among the best goals ever scored by the USMNT. Wynalda not only delivered in defining moments but also set the tone and standard for the strikers who followed.
Earnie Stewart (1990 – 2004)
101 Caps, 17 goals, 10 assists
Earnie Stewart was a key attacking figure for the USMNT throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, bringing a blend of technical quality, intelligence, and consistency to the squad. Comfortable as both a striker and a second forward, his versatility allowed him to influence matches in multiple ways while effectively linking midfield and attack.
While not a traditional No. 9, Stewart’s movement, awareness, and all-around contributions helped shape the evolution of the USMNT’s forward line during a critical period of growth for the program. He appeared in three World Cups—the 1994 FIFA World Cup, 1998 FIFA World Cup, and 2002 FIFA World Cup—and delivered one of the most iconic moments in U.S. soccer history, scoring the game-winning goal against heavily favored Colombia on home soil in 1994.
Second Generation USMNT Strikers (1996-2010)
The next era of USMNT strikers following the 1994 World Cup produced a tough, hard-nosed group. Several featured in one or more World Cup cycles, led by Josh Wolff, who made both the 2002 and 2006 squads.
Brian Ching and Eddie Johnson were also key figures, earning spots on the 2006 roster, with some arguing they were overlooked later in their careers. Other notable names from that period include Casey Coner, Ante Razov, and Taylor Twellman, players who all had opportunities with the USMNT, but whose form and timing didn’t quite align with World Cup selection. Twellman, in particular, still believes he should have been part of the 2006 squad.
Joe-Max Moore (1992 – 2002)
100 Caps, 24 goals, 14 assists
This was always a bit of a sneaky one for me. Joe-Max Moore was a consistently reliable attacking option for the USMNT during this era, even if he didn’t always get the spotlight. Currently ranked seventh all-time in USMNT goals, Moore contributed across three World Cup cycles and remained a steady presence in the attack.
He’s also one of just five USMNT players to score four goals in a single match, a standout performance that came against El Salvador in 1993. Despite his overall production and longevity, however, Moore was never able to find the back of the net on the World Cup (1994, 1998 and 2002) stage.
Brian McBride (1993 – 2006)
95 Caps, 30 goals, 11 assists
A traditional No. 9, Brian McBride was physical, relentless, and dependable, with a dominant aerial presence in the biggest moments. He put everything on the line for the USMNT, scoring in multiple World Cups (1998 and 2002) and cementing himself as a fixture at the striker position.
One of his most iconic moments came at the 2006 World Cup, when he was elbowed in the face by Italy’s Daniele De Rossi, leaving him bloodied and in need of stitches, yet he still played the full 90 minutes.
Clint Mathis (1998 – 2005)
46 Caps, 12 goals, 9 assists
While Clint Mathis had a relatively brief run with the USMNT, his impact on the attacking position was undeniable. Often deployed as a second striker behind Brian McBride, Mathis was anything but traditional—he thrived as a free-roaming attacker capable of changing a match in an instant, highlighted by his ability to score spectacular long-range goals.
He played a key role for the U.S. at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, scoring a memorable goal against South Korea in the group stage and adding an assist, helping power the team’s historic run.
The Evolving Striker Pool (2009 – 2018)
The striker pool from this generation is an interesting mix, some players were only involved with the USMNT for brief stretches, while others carried over from the previous era and overlapped with this group.
Strikers like Edson Buddle and Hercules Gomez, both part of the 2010 World Cup roster, had limited opportunities and production at the international level. Their inclusion was shaped in part by circumstance, as Charlie Davies’ recovery from his car accident less than a year before the tournament ultimately ruled him out of contention.
Looking ahead to 2014, Aron Jóhannsson and Chris Wondolowski earned World Cup roster spots but struggled to make a lasting impact in the biggest matches against top-tier opponents, which limited their long-term roles with the national team.
Players like Jordan Morris, Jesús Ferreira, and Gyasi Zardes emerged and saw increased opportunities following the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. It’s easy to imagine that at least some of that younger group could have factored into the roster had the U.S. made it to Russia.
Clint Dempsey (2004 – 2017)
141 Caps, 57 goals, 19 assists
Clint Dempsey delivered some of the most iconic striker moments in USMNT history, big goals, clutch performances, and a relentless ability to show up when it mattered most. While he wasn’t a traditional target striker, his movement, instincts, and technical ability made him one of the most dangerous attacking players the U.S. has ever had.
He scored against top-tier opponents like Spain and Brazil at the 2009 Confederations Cup, found the net against England at the 2010 World Cup to help secure a crucial draw, and famously opened the scoring just seconds into the 2014 World Cup. He also delivered in the 2016 Copa América, with key goals against Ecuador in the quarterfinal and Paraguay in the group stage.
Dempsey wasn’t just a scorer, he was a moment-maker. Whether it was a scrappy finish, a composed strike, or stepping up in the biggest matches, he consistently delivered when the U.S. needed him most.
Jozy Altidore (2007 – 2019)
115 Caps, 42 goals, 14 assists
Jozy Altidore had a unique USMNT career, less about highlight-reel volume and more about physical presence, hold-up play, and stepping up in key moments. At his best, he was the focal point of the attack and a difference-maker. Jozy’s work ethic seemed to impact later stages of his club and USMNT career and impacted him becoming the all-time leading scorer in USMNT history.
Bobby Wood (2013 – 2018)
43 Caps, 13 goals, 3 assists
If it weren’t for Jürgen Klinsmann’s support after Bobby Wood secured a new club in Germany, it’s unclear whether his international career would have continued. While his peak was relatively brief at both club and national level, Wood made his mark with clutch moments, most memorably scoring game-winning goals in back-to-back 2015 friendlies: a 4–3 comeback victory over the Netherlands and a 2–1 win against Germany.
The Next Generation: Assessing the Future of USMNT Strikers
The current USMNT striker pool remains very unsettled. At the moment, Ricardo Pepi is the only regular forward to reach double-digit goals, with 13. He’s followed by Folarin Balogun with eight and Haji Wright with seven. Other notable names in the mix include Josh Sargent and Patrick Agyemang, each of whom has contributed five goals at the international level. However, Agyemang suffered an Achilles injury and has been ruled out of the World Cup, a significant setback given his recent form. For the USMNT to be successful at the 2026 FIFA World Cup their strikers will be a key role and contributing to the teams’ goals scored.
From a club perspective at the time of the article, Balogun is in excellent form, and the hope is that continues through the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At this point, it feels clear that Balogun and Pepi have established themselves as the top two striker options. The bigger question, though, is who else will step up to provide the depth and quality needed to sustain the position in this cycle and beyond.
USMNT
Entry into US Men’s National Fandom
Thomas Deschaine (@uskeeper on X and us_keeper on Instagram)
Every soccer fan has a player or a moment or signature win that pulls them into the game and binds them to a team, no matter how high or low the journey becomes.
For me, that moment was tied to the U.S. Men’s National Team hosting the 1994 World Cup, along with my own recent introduction to the sport as the starting goalkeeper for my school team. Tony Meola, in particular, stood out as one of many important icons and trailblazers for the USMNT during that era.
I imagine there are countless young fans around the world who have already had, or will soon have, that defining moment over the last few years: discovering their first international team and the players they’ll root for and follow for years to come.
Before the 1990 World Cup cycle, those moments were rare for the USMNT. The United States hadn’t even reached the final round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying. Their closest opportunity came during the 1986 cycle, when all the U.S. needed was a draw at home against Costa Rica, a result they had achieved just five days earlier on the road in Costa Rica.
In the 1980s, the USMNT qualified for the Olympics three times, once automatically as the host nation in 1984 and twice through the qualifying tournament. It’s also worth noting that Mexico was disqualified during both the 1980 and 1988 qualifying cycles.
Despite qualifying, the U.S. withdrew from the 1980 Olympics in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. In the tournaments they did play (1984 and 1988), the USMNT struggled to make an impact, failing to advance out of the group stage and managing just one combined win across both competitions.
USMNT on the Rise (1988-1998)
This generation of trailblazers put the U.S. Men’s National Team back on the map—ending a 40-year World Cup drought, hosting the 1994 World Cup, and advancing further than the world expected.
1989 WCQ neutral side in Honduras vs El Salvador
A rare win away from home soil keeps US in hunt to qualify for 1990 World Cup.
1989 – Qualification at Trinidad & Tobago
The win in Port of Spain sends the US to its first World Cup since 1950.
1990 – Return to the World Cup (Italy)
Results were tough, but simply qualifying restarted the program on the world stage.
1991 – USA 2–0 Mexico (Gold Cup)
The USMNT’s first “Dos a Cero” win against Mexico to advance to the first Gold Cup Final.
1993 – USA 2-0 England (U.S. Cup)
The USMNT first win against England since the 1950 World Cup.
1994 – USA 2–1 Colombia (World Cup)
One of the biggest upsets in World Cup history; launched U.S. soccer into the mainstream.
1995 – USA 3-0 Argentina (Copa America)
The apex win for this generation of USMNT trailblazers.
1998 – USA 1-0 Brazil (Gold Cup)
The USMNT only win over Brazil to date.
Earning Respect from the World (1999-2010)
After a disappointing performance at the 1998 World Cup, the USMNT reset by hiring American coach Bruce Arena. That decision, combined with the emergence of impactful young players, helped restore credibility and earn growing respect on the global stage—culminating in a deep and memorable run at the 2002 World Cup.
1999 – 2-0 Win over Germany (Confederations Cup)
USMNT second win over Germany in 1999.
2001 – First “Dos a Cero” vs Mexico in Columbus (World Cup Qualifier)
A rivalry-defining moment and a psychological turning point.
2002 – USA 3–2 Portugal (World Cup)
The world took notice. One of the greatest performances in USMNT history.
2002 – USA 2–0 Mexico (World Cup Round of 16)
Dominance over rival Mexico on the biggest stage.
2002 – World Cup Quarterfinal run (loss 1–0 to Germany)
Even in a loss the USMNT deepest World Cup run got attention from most.
2005 – USA 2-0 Mexico in Columbus (World Cup Qualifier)
USMNT WCQ win over Mexico qualified them for the World Cup.
2007 – Gold Cup Final: USA 2–1 Mexico (Gold Cup)
A signature win in Chicago with a classic Donovan goal.
2009 – USA 2–0 Spain (Confederations Cup)
Ends Spain’s 35-match unbeaten streak in a historic semifinal upset.
2010 – Donovan vs Algeria (90+1’)
The most iconic goal in USMNT history; dramatic group-stage escape.
The Klinsmann Era (2011-2017)
When Jürgen Klinsmann was hired to replace Bob Bradley, he introduced a new mindset for the USMNT, challenging players to compete at higher levels with their clubs. The opponents he scheduled during his tenure reflected that philosophy, consistently pushing the team against stronger international competition.
2012 – USA 1-0 Italy (Friendly)
A key road win for the USMNT under Klinsmann.
2012 – USA 1-0 Mexico (Friendly)
The Americans first ever win at Azteca in Mexico.
2013 – USA 4-3 Germany (Centennial Match)
Celebrating their centennial match in style with a win.
2013 – USA 4-3 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Friendly)
A comeback road win against the 13th ranked Bosnia-Herzegovina.
2013 – USA 2-0 Mexico (World Cup Qualifier)
Nothing better than Dos a Cero that qualifies you for the World Cup.
2014 – USA 2–1 Ghana (World Cup)
Revenge at last, with a clutch John Brooks header helping to advance from Group of Death.
2015 – USA 4-3 Netherlands (Friendly)
A thrilling comeback victory on the road against the Netherlands.
2015 – USA 2-1 Germany (Friendly)
Days after beating the Netherlands, the USMNT topped Germany in a hard-fought match.
2016 – USA 2-1 Ecuador (Copa America)
A quarter-final win for the Americans who advance to the semi-finals of Copa America.
The Rise of a New Generation (2018-Current)
After the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the USMNT landscape began to shift. A greater emphasis was placed on integrating younger players into the national team, even as it became increasingly difficult for the U.S. to schedule friendlies against top-level opponents from Europe and South America.
2021 – USA 3-2 Mexico (Nations League)
This extra-time win sparked a period of dominance over Mexico.
2022 – USA 3-0 Morocco (Friendly)
A victory over the eventual fourth-place finisher at the 2022 World Cup.
2022 – USA 1-0 Iran (World Cup)
A first-half strike from Christian Pulisic propels the U.S. into the knockout stage.
2023 – USA 3-0 Mexico (Nations League)
A dominant semifinal win preceded Gregg Berhalter’s rehiring.
2024 -USA 2-0 Mexico (Nations League)
Another victory over El Tri, extending the unbeaten run to seven matches.
A Chance to Win will bring in New Believers Ahead of 2026
The USMNT has a prime opportunity to build momentum and attract new supporters ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with upcoming friendlies against European powers Belgium, Portugal, and Germany, along with AFCON champions Senegal. These high-profile matchups offer a rare spotlight and a chance to measure themselves against the world’s best.
A deep World Cup run, reaching the quarterfinals or beyond, would go a long way toward winning and retaining new fans. But to truly grow the fanbase, success must be consistent, with fewer lapses and a standard of performance that reinforces belief long after the tournament ends.
USMNT
Breaking the Mold: Freese a Unique USMNT Goalkeeper
Thomas Deschaine (@uskeeper on X and us_keeper on Instagram)
With only the March window left before Mauricio Pochettino finalizes the 2026 World Cup roster, one major question remains: who can truly be trusted to guard the net? It’s a debate still dividing media, fans, and observers alike.
The USMNT has produced some legendary goalkeepers over the past four decades, but the current pool has yet to see anyone truly seize the No. 1 spot. For a while, it looked like Matt Turner might start in back-to-back World Cups, but after a poor summer performance against Switzerland, he lost his place to Matt Freese. Freese went on to start the last thirteen matches, yet outside of his heroics in the 2025 Gold Cup penalty shootout, echoing Turner’s run in 2023, Freese hasn’t fully convinced me he should be the starter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Since the 1990 cycle, five USMNT goalkeepers, Tony Meola, Kasey Keller, Brad Friedel, Tim Howard, and Matt Turner, have earned the World Cup starting role. Each of them logged minutes in the grueling World Cup qualifying process before taking the job. But Matt Freese could become the first USMNT goalkeeper to start a World Cup without ever playing a single qualifier.
Tony Meola – 1990 Italy World Cup
Creator: Bob Thomas | Credit: Getty Images
Tony Meola remains the youngest goalkeeper ever to start a World Cup for the USMNT. He went on to start in back-to-back tournaments and later served as the backup at the 2002 World Cup alongside Brad Friedel and Kasey Keller.
First Cap (Age) – June 7, 1998 (19 years, 3 month & 17 days)
World Cup 1990 (Age) – (21 years, 3 months, 10 days)
Overall Stats heading into the World Cup
Matches Played – 17
Matches Started – 15
Minutes Played – 1,395
Wins – 7
Shutouts – 6
World Cup Qualifying Stats
Matches Played – 4
Matches Started – 4
Minutes Played – 360
Wins – 2
Shutouts – 4
Kasey Keller – 1998 France World Cup
Kasey Keller, one of the backups to Tony Meola at the 1990 World Cup, was left off the 1994 roster but later reestablished himself in the USMNT picture. He went on to become the primary starter for the 1998 and 2006 World Cups and served as the backup on the 2002 team.
Creator: Ben Radford | Credit: Getty Images
First Cap (Age) – February 4, 1990 (20 years, 2 months & 6 days)
World Cup 1998 (Age) – (28 years, 6 months, 15 days)
Overall Stats heading into the World Cup
Matches Played – 34
Matches Started – 33
Minutes Played – 2,790
Wins – 18
Shutouts – 16
World Cup Qualifying Stats
Matches Played – 9
Matches Started – 9
Minutes Played – 810
Wins – 5
Shutouts – 6
Brad Friedel – 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup
Creator: Clive Brunskill | Credit: Getty Images
Brad Friedel, who started all five U.S. matches at the 2002 World Cup and made one start in 1998, earned a place on three USMNT World Cup squads during his career.
First Cap (Age) – September 3, 1992 (21 years, 3 months, 16 days)
World Cup 2002 (Age) – (31 years, 0 months, 5 days)
Overall Stats heading into the World Cup
Matches Played – 76
Matches Started – 74
Minutes Played – 6,453
Wins – 25
Shutouts – 23
World Cup Qualifying Stats
Matches Played – 13
Matches Started – 13
Minutes Played – 1,125
Wins – 7
Shutouts – 4
Tim Howard – 2010 South Africa
Creator: Ronald Wittek | Credit: Alamy
Tim Howard, the oldest first-time World Cup starter among this group, may also be the most accomplished. He appeared on three World Cup rosters, and likely would have made a fourth had the USMNT qualified in 2018.
First Cap (Age) – March 10, 2002 (23 years, 0 months, 4 days)
World Cup 2010 (Age) – (31 years, 3 months, 12 days)
Overall Stats heading into the World Cup
Matches Played – 51
Matches Started – 50
Minutes Played – 4,185
Wins – 31
Shutouts – 23
World Cup Qualifying Stats
Matches Played – 16
Matches Started – 16
Minutes Played – 1,440
Wins – 12
Shutouts – 8
Matt Turner – 2022 Qatar
Creator: Francisco Seco | Credit: AP
Turner seized his opportunity when an unwell Zack Steffen was forced off the roster to start the World Cup qualifying, stepping in to start the first of eight World Cup qualifiers. His performances solidified his place as the USMNT’s starting goalkeeper for the 2022 World Cup.
First Cap (Age) – January 31, 2021 (26 years, 9 months, 3 days)
World Cup 2022 (Age) – (28 years, 4 months, 21 days)
Overall Stats heading into the World Cup
Matches Played – 20
Matches Started – 20
Minutes Played – 1,800
Wins – 14
Shutouts – 14
World Cup Qualifying Stats
Matches Played – 8
Matches Started – 8
Minutes Played – 720
Wins – 4
Shutouts – 4
Matt Freese
Courtesy USMNT
Matt Freese would have the shortest runway of any USMNT goalkeeper, from earning his first cap to potentially starting at a World Cup. He would also become the first U.S. keeper to start at a World Cup without having played a single World Cup qualifier.
First Cap (Age) – June 5, 2025 (26 years, 9 months, 3 days)
World Cup 2026 (Age) – (27 years, 9 months, 12 days)
Overall Stats heading into the World Cup
Matches Played – 13
Matches Started – 13
Minutes Played – 1,170
Wins – 7*
Shutouts – 3*
World Cup Qualifying Stats
Matches Played – n/a
Matches Started – n/a
Minutes Played – n/a
Wins – n/a
Shutouts – n/a
It’s clear the USMNT doesn’t have a true front-runner in goal even though Mauricio Pochettino currently leans toward Matt Freese, but as we’ve seen, things can change fast. Matt Turner, Patrick Schulte, Chris Brady, Roman Celentano, and Jonathan Klinsmann will all need to push hard to earn their place on the final roster.
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