Latest news with #U.S.Men'sNationalTeam
New York Post
3 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Post
USMNT star fires back at Landon Donovan over Christian Pulisic ‘vacation' shade
Weston McKennie defended his U.S. Men's National Team teammate Christian Pulisic in a new interview after American soccer great Landon Donovan indirectly criticized Pulisic on Fox Sports over the weekend. Pulisic, along with Yunus Musah and Antonee Robinson, is not part of the U.S. roster for the Gold Cup this summer after asking head coach Mauricio Pochettino to leave him off after taking part in a long 50-game schedule for his club team, AC Milan. Donovan hinted at his displeasure over the decision, without mentioning names, during Fox's UEFA Nations League final broadcast, at one point saying, 'I can't help but think about our guys on vacation not wanting to play in the Gold Cup. It's pissing me off.' 3 United States' Landon Donovan, controls the ball during a training session on Wednesday, May 14, 2014. AP McKennie would speak up on Pulisic's behalf. 'Obviously, none of us take for granted playing for the national team. None of us want to lose games,' McKennie told USA Today. 'All of us want to compete. And for me, it's a little bit, I won't say sad, but as a former national team player, I think as a national team player pool — previous, present — I think it's more about trying to build or even say something like that to a person directly rather than putting it out there. 'That's just my opinion because we've all been through those moments, even when comments about us losing the Nations League were made by many players from before, but they've had the same thing on a bigger stage with not qualifying for the World Cup.' 3 Weston McKennie of the United States controls the ball against Canada during the first half of the CONCACAF Nations League third-place match at SoFi Stadium on March 23, 2025 in Inglewood, California. Getty Images Pulisic has seen some criticism from several USMNT alums, including Clint Dempsey and Alexi Lalas. The U.S. Men's National Team has faced growing scrutiny with the World Cup just over a year away and the United States set to host, alongside Mexico and Canada. McKennie, who won't be playing in the Gold Cup for the United States either as he suits up for Juventus in the Club World Cup, reiterated the honor that playing for the U.S. is, while noting the importance of not pushing yourself if you're not 100 percent. 3 AC Milan's Christian Pulisic reacts after missed a chance to score on April 11, 2025. REUTERS 'Obviously, if you don't feel like your body is in the right condition, and you don't feel like your body is in the best form or shape or whatever, to be able to do that at 100 percent, and you feel like you're risking injury, then it's better to let someone else go in that is completely 100 percent,' he said. The American soccer star wasn't the only one to defend Pulisic, with his father, Mark, taking a swipe at Donovan in an Instagram post on Monday. Mark posted on his account a screenshot from ChatGPT asking it to 'tell me about Landon Donovan's sabbatical and why he took it.' The screenshot also showed the lengthy response, and Mark took a further shot at Donovan in the caption. 'This guy is … talking about commitment,' the caption read. 'Look in the mirror + grow a pair and call names out or are you afraid next time you want an interview you will get rejected again.' Pulisic also liked the post. Donovan had stepped away from soccer in 2012-13, skipping World Cup qualifiers, and he was later left off the 2014 U.S. World Cup roster.
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Weston McKennie: Landon Donovan's dig at Christian Pulisic was sad
Weston McKennie: Landon Donovan's dig at Christian Pulisic was sad Show Caption Hide Caption Ronaldo at the Fifa Club World Cup? It's possible Safid Deen on the new international transfer window that could open the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo joining a team ahead of the Club World Cup. Sports Seriously U.S. Men's National Team standout Weston McKennie says Landon Donovan's comments indirectly made regarding captain Christian Pulisic were sad and disappointing. While commentating Portugal's celebration after the team won the UEFA Nations League final Sunday on Fox Sports, Donovan said, 'This is what it means to represent your country. … I can't help but think about our guys on vacation not wanting to play in Gold Cup. It's pissing me off.' While Donovan didn't name Pulisic, it's clear the former USMNT captain was referring to the latest one. Pulisic decided to take the summer off after two straight 50-match seasons with AC Milan instead of joining the national team for the Concacaf Gold Cup later this month. Donovan, himself, also took a brief sabbatical from the team in 2013. 'Obviously, none of us take for granted playing for the national team. None of us want to lose games," McKennie told USA TODAY Sports on Monday, from Juventus headquarters in Italy preparing for the Club World Cup. "All of us want to compete. And for me, it's a little bit, I won't say sad, but as a former national team player, I think as a national team player pool – previous, present – I think it's more about trying to build or even say something like that to a person directly rather than putting it out there. 'That's just my opinion because we've all been through those moments, even when comments about us losing the Nations League were made by many players from before, but they've had the same thing on a bigger stage with not qualifying for the World Cup.' McKennie is also not participating with the USMNT this summer to help Juventus compete in the FIFA Club World Cup. Juventus is in Group G of the tournament and will play Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) on June 18 in Washington D.C., Wydad AC (Morrocco) on June 22 in Philadelphia, and Manchester City (England) on June 26 in Orlando during the group stage. Still, McKennie is keeping an eye on his teammates with the national team led by new coach Mauricio Pochettino. The USMNT lost a friendly to Turkey 2-1 on June 7 in East Hartford, Connecticut. The Americans will play Trinidad and Tobago on June 15, Saudi Arabia on June 19 and Haiti on June 22 in the group stage of the Gold Cup. McKennie believes the USMNT has a good group of players who are ambitious with room to grow before World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico. He believes the team needs to find its identity by practicing in a competitive environment. 'You fight for each other. You run for each other. You sacrifice for each other,' McKennie said. 'I think with the group that we have and some of the players that have been there a little bit longer, including myself, need to start not thinking that we're young anymore. We're veterans on the team, and we need to start acting like that. And take control. "And show the way, and show the culture that the U.S. men's national team has presented before because we've always been known as a country to fight, never give up, maybe not have been the best talented-wise. But now we have a lot more talent. And so now, we just need to add that grit and grind, and competitive nature back into the system.' As for Donovan's comments, McKennie sided with Pulisic while reiterating their desire to suit up for the national team because of its significance. 'No names were named,' McKennie said. 'Coming off a long season, a stressful season, obviously, some players feel a different way about it, and some players feel another way. But the comments are comments. Everyone has their own opinions, and that's life, and that's football. 'Obviously, like I said before, none of us take for granted that we get to represent a national team because it's one of the biggest honors that we can have in the sport of football. ... 'So, any chance that we get, we want to play. But obviously, if you don't feel like your body is in the right condition, and you don't feel like your body is in the best form or shape or whatever, to be able to do that at 100%, and you feel like you're risking injury, then it's better to let someone else go in that is completely 100%.'
Time Business News
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Time Business News
USA World Cup 2026: Everything You Need to Know
The anticipation is building as the United States prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, alongside Canada and Mexico. For soccer enthusiasts across the globe, this isn't just a tournament—it's a celebration of the world's most popular sport. For the USA, it's more than that. It's a second chance to showcase its love for the beautiful game on home soil, the first being the memorable 1994 edition. This event will be historic: more teams, more fans, and more action than ever before. In this article, we'll explore the significance of the USA's role in the 2026 World Cup. From stadiums to soccer's growing popularity in America, to what this means for U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT), and the economic and cultural impact—it's all here. When the USA first hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1994, it shattered expectations. At that time, soccer wasn't exactly a mainstream sport in the country. Yet, the 1994 tournament set attendance records that still stand today. Over 3.5 million fans filled stadiums across the nation, proving that Americans could fall in love with soccer. That World Cup also laid the foundation for the launch of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996, which has since grown into a respected league with a strong fan base, international players, and world-class teams. Hosting the 2026 World Cup is not just a nod to that history—it's a chance to elevate American soccer further. Unlike 1994, the USA is now a soccer-savvy nation. Youth participation is high, the women's national team is dominant globally, and the men's side has shown promise with a new generation of stars. With 2026 around the corner, fans are hoping the event will propel the sport to new heights across the country. One of the most exciting changes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the expansion from 32 to 48 teams. This means more nations will compete on the global stage, giving fans a broader range of cultures, styles, and rivalries to enjoy. The tournament will feature 80 matches—60 of which are set to take place in the United States. Another change is the revised group stage format. Instead of eight groups of four, there will be 16 groups of three. While this has sparked debate among fans and analysts, it guarantees more teams a shot at the knockout stages. Additionally, the USA will host the majority of the knockout rounds, including the final—expected to be played in either MetLife Stadium in New Jersey or AT&T Stadium in Texas. The tournament structure, broader participation, and high-profile match locations ensure this World Cup will be unlike any before it. The new format is also a strategic move by FIFA to grow the sport globally and reach new markets. For the U.S., it means more games, more tourism, and more media attention—creating the perfect environment for soccer to thrive domestically. The USA will host matches in 11 major cities, each offering a unique blend of sports culture and infrastructure. These include New York/New Jersey, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Francisco Bay Area, Kansas City, Boston, and Miami. These stadiums aren't just large—they're iconic. Take SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, AT&T Stadium in Arlington, and MetLife Stadium near NYC, for example. These venues already host massive NFL games and concerts. Their state-of-the-art technology, seating capacities (some over 80,000), and fan amenities make them perfect for a world-class event like the World Cup. Local governments and private entities are investing heavily in infrastructure upgrades, public transportation improvements, and fan experiences. Many cities are planning fan zones and watch parties that will transform urban spaces into mini soccer festivals. This isn't just about the matches. It's about the experience—the roar of the crowd, the colors in the stands, and the shared passion of millions. For host cities, the 2026 World Cup is a chance to shine on a global stage and show the world how America celebrates the world's game. The U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) enters the 2026 World Cup with renewed optimism. With a young, talented squad led by players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Gio Reyna, expectations are higher than ever. These athletes are not only excelling in Europe's top leagues, but also bringing valuable experience and leadership back home. By 2026, this team will be in its prime. With automatic qualification as co-hosts, the focus is entirely on preparation, tactics, and chemistry. Coach development, youth academies, and more international friendlies will help sharpen the team for the big stage. One challenge for the USMNT is managing the pressure of playing at home. Expectations will be immense, and fans are hungry to see the team reach the quarterfinals—or further. With the right strategy and player development, this dream is within reach. Beyond the stars, the team represents a new era for American soccer—diverse, dynamic, and ambitious. The home crowd will be their twelfth man, and the country will be behind them every step of the way. Hosting the World Cup isn't just about soccer—it's an economic engine. The 2026 tournament is expected to generate over $5 billion in economic activity for North America. For the USA, cities hosting matches will benefit from tourism, hospitality, transportation, and media coverage. Jobs will be created in construction, security, and event management. Local businesses—from restaurants to hotels—will experience a major boost. Major brands are already lining up to sponsor events, launch campaigns, and engage fans. But the cultural impact may be even greater. Soccer has long been a unifier in countries around the world. The 2026 World Cup offers a moment of shared joy for Americans from all walks of life. It also provides an opportunity to promote diversity, inclusion, and international understanding. From grassroots programs to watch parties in urban parks, the cultural ripple effects will last far beyond the final whistle. For many kids in the U.S., this could be their first World Cup—and the spark that turns them into lifelong fans or even future players. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why the USMNT's Nations League flop was 'disheartening'
Alexis Guerreros and Christian Polanco of The Cooligans discuss the U.S. Men's National Team's two defeats in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal and third place games over the weekend and why the team's immense talent has been so disappointing. Hear the full conversation on the 'The Cooligans' podcast - and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. View more Let's talk US men's national team. So from -3 to 3, how are you feeling the confidence of US soccer, US men's national team soccer, moving forward towards the World Cup? The -2, I would say about a -1. Maybe this is the rock bottom we need to get players upset and wanting to have that inspiration of coming in. I feel like I'm looking for a positive here, but It it's, it's so disheartening to see what happened in this nation's League, when even if we won, we wouldn't have really given it much credit, but to lose the way we did. It is so disheartening. We, we have the most talented group, and I don't care what Landon Donovan says, this is the most talented group we've ever had as far as on an international scale, with the way they're respected. I mean, Weston McKinney is a captain of Juventus. We've got uh Christian Pai for a large period of the year, was the best player in all of Serie A. This is the most, the highest quality play our players have ever been a part of. And for them to come together with a world-renowned coach, someone who took Tottenham to the Champions League final. This is a world-renowned coach. This guy's coach Neymar, Messi, you know, uh, tons of, uh, superstars, Hemming's son, Harry Kane. I mean, the name is endless. This guy understands talent from top to bottom, right? Uh, obviously coached very well at Sunderland, had a storied career for him to take this group of players and to put up the stinker. Leads me to believe that there's there's some, there's a problem somewhere that needs to be fixed. The light shines on US soccer a little bit brighter again, to be like, where is this, where is, how is this falling apart yet again. It might sound silly or goofy of just like, you need a lot of heart, clearly just having our players playing in Europe is not enough to to to make a a strong national team. Close
New York Times
18-03-2025
- Politics
- New York Times
Mauricio Pochettino on USMNT: ‘In five or 10 years, we can be No 1 in the world'
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was a guest of U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office earlier this month. The two men posed with the trophy for the Club World Cup, held in the U.S. this summer. Trump called Infantino, who also attended his inauguration in January, 'the king of soccer', and asked his FIFA counterpart whether he believes the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) can win the 2026 World Cup. 'Yes, with the public behind (them),' Infantino earnestly replied. Advertisement One week on, Mauricio Pochettino, the head coach of the USMNT, was relaxed and confident enough to laugh about it. 'I was disappointed with his answer,' Pochettino said with a grin about Infantino's reply. 'He should say…'You need to ask your great coach, Pochettino!' Because, for sure, he can give a better opinion!' This is the world that Pochettino now inhabits. One where the answer to a question posed in the White House, from one of the most powerful men in the world to another, hinges on Pochettino's ability to deliver in his job. When Pochettino took this job six months ago, it felt like an unusual football step. He was saying goodbye to the elite end of the European club game, to the Champions League, to daily interaction with some of the best players in the world, to performing in front of packed stadiums every three or four days for nine months straight. But while so many of the pressures of club football's daily grind have gone, Pochettino has discovered pressure of a different magnitude. It is difficult to quantify the global significance of his new job. Suffice to say that the 2026 World Cup will be one of the biggest sporting events in history, and the performance of the U.S. team integral to it. When the USMNT start their campaign at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on 12 June next year, the eyes of billions of people will be on Pochettino. If the team starts well and generates that unique momentum that tournament hosts can tap into, Pochettino could quickly become one of the most famous people in the world. In that light, the move from club football does not look so surprising. There is far more at stake here than even at the biggest clubs. 'I think the pressure is going to be there because we are a host,' said Pochettino, speaking to journalists in central London last week. 'It's a country where the mentality is about winning. In sport, in everything that Americans are involved in, they want to win. That is the culture. Of course, it is going to be a pressure, but a welcome one. That means that we are going to feel the adrenaline that we need to feel.' Advertisement Every elite manager has an ego and a sense of their own legacy. Every elite manager is on the quest for greatness. Pochettino has always been in love with the history of the game and the World Cup itself. He grew up watching Argentina win the 1978 and 1986 World Cups and was mesmerised. He played in the 2002 edition. He has always known that the World Cup is the true pinnacle of the game. 'The feeling is completely different from another competition,' he said in 2022. Coaching at a World Cup has been a lifelong dream. After Pochettino left Chelsea at the end of last season, he had a decision to make. It had been an exhausting year at Stamford Bridge but he had ended it on a high, teaching his team to play his football and guiding them to a sixth-placed finish in the table. The expectation was that he would look for another big club job — until U.S. Soccer got in touch. 'After Chelsea, the offer arrived from the USA,' he said, 'and we were already paying attention.' Pochettino explained more than once how only eight countries have ever won the World Cup. (He quickly listed them: Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, then the European five of Spain, France, Germany, England and Italy.) The point he was making was that when so few countries are on that list, there is nothing wrong with working for a team who is not. What Pochettino did not need to explicitly say was that there is nothing more tantalising in sport than the prospect of being the ninth team on that list. Anyone joining that club is a once-in-a-generation event. Why shouldn't the USMNT aim that high? All of this will have been swirling around Pochettino's mind when he decided whether to take this opportunity last year. 'Not only the challenge on the pitch, that is of course the principle,' he explained. 'But also the challenge to live and experience to know a different culture, different people. Always USA was a country that was a mystery to me. The people are completely different.' That was a selling point. Advertisement Pochettino spoke to Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, his old team-mate from Newell's Old Boys. Martino is 10 years older than Pochettino and has had a long coaching career in club and international football. He took Paraguay to the 2010 World Cup, Mexico to Qatar 2022, as well as having a brief spell in charge of his own country Argentina. Martino also managed Atlanta United and Inter Miami in MLS. He has now spent six months dealing with the fundamental dilemma of the international manager, whatever the level: how do you get your ideas across to the players in such a limited timespan? 'We have one disadvantage and one advantage,' Pochettino explained. 'The disadvantage is that you don't have time. The advantage is that they are so focused, the players. The focus, the discipline and energy they apply when they come (are completely different). Maybe they spend three days with us but they are so focused on learning how we are going to play. Sometimes, club players are more like, 'OK, we have time'. This is different with the national team, as the players arrive and are desperate to learn. That is a good thing.' But still, much of Pochettino's work over the years has been built on controlling his players' physical conditioning. His staff likes to monitor them intensely to keep them in the right shape to play his pressing football. Spending months away from the players makes that harder. Pochettino does not want to see it as a negative and spoke positively about technological solutions to this age-old problem. 'Technology is going so fast and sometimes when you are involved in the clubs, you don't have time,' Pochettino said, explaining that he was working with companies who can help player performance from afar. 'The technology is going to help in so many ways. It's going to be really important to improve one per cent or two per cent. Small things can be massive. We really love to work, as a coaching staff, with the science.' Pochettino is happy to put the responsibility on the players themselves. 'The players also need to understand that they need to push themselves,' he said. 'It's not the responsibility of the clubs if the players are fit or not fit. The players need to be professional.' And of the players themselves, Pochettino spoke warmly. He has been impressed by the attitude they have shown him so far. He has always been curious about other people and is especially about these players' paths in the game. He explained how some of the USMNT players did not play soccer until the age of 12 and only then picked up the game. 'This is a completely different mindset,' he said. 'That is important for us also to learn from this.' Advertisement Aside from the technical level or club experience of the players, there is another crucial factor: whether they contribute to the team dynamic that Pochettino wants to build. Pochettino's most successful club sides — Espanyol, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur — were marked by a remarkable unity between the players, a sense of brotherhood, a total commitment to each other, to the idea of the group, and to their shared goals. None of those teams would have been imaginable without it. (The fact that Pochettino managed to build a unified team out of the Chelsea squad he inherited is also to his credit.) Pochettino praised the 'very good mentality and culture' created by his predecessor Gregg Berhalter during his USMNT tenure. 'The mentality is there, the discipline is there.' Now Pochettino wants to build on it. He sounded just like he was talking about his old Spurs team. 'It's really important that we need to build our own team,' Pochettino said. 'It's not only the characteristics of the players, it's about the discipline and the atmosphere that we want to create in the national team. We need 23 or 26 players who will be happy to be in the squad and want to help the national team from every position. We have to create this good energy. Because if not, it's going to be tough.' The plan is to teach these players a style of play so they can 'dominate against most national teams' but be able to adopt a more transitional counter-attacking game against the biggest sides. The key is to get the players to believe in themselves and each other. In that sense this is a job that reminds Pochettino of his time working with Espanyol and Southampton, where he transformed the ambitions of the group and made them think differently. Xesco Espar, a mental coach who Pochettino has worked with in the past, once told me Pochettino's great strength was to 'see the greatness' in players before they even saw it themselves. Pochettino has just called Giovanni Reyna into his squad for this week's CONCACAF Nations League games. But Pochettino said he is not only looking to see Reyna's technical level with the squad. 'We really believe in him because the talent of the player is there so we see if he can recover,' he said. 'It's not only about knowing if he can play well, it's about if he can create a good atmosphere in the team. That's going to be very important for us.' These games — Panama in Thursday's semi-final, and Canada or Mexico on Sunday in either the final or third-place playoff — will be at SoFi Stadium where the USMNT open their World Cup campaign. Before that though, there is more work going on behind the scenes that will be fundamental to Pochettino's success. U.S. Soccer is building a new base — the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center — in Atlanta. It will be ready in time for the World Cup. Pochettino referred back to his list of eight men's World Cup winners to explain how important it will be. 'The eight countries which have won the World Cup all have amazing training centres,' he said. 'Before the World Cup, U.S. Soccer is building an amazing training centre in Atlanta and that is going to be one of the most unbelievable training centres in the world. That is going to be the base of soccer. It is the moment where people can see, soccer is going to be a serious sport because it has a home. 'We need to congratulate the federation, and all the donors involved, who are helping to grow the sport, because it's No 1 in the world. Because in five or ten years, for sure we can be No 1 in the world. It could be.'
