With less than a year remaining until the World Cup, the United States men’s national soccer team faces immense pressure to succeed. The country will host 11 of the 16 stadiums and is set to host the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final, which is a critical opportunity to boost the sport’s profile in North America. However, the U.S. team’s track record in the World Cup is spotty, with only two appearances in the Round of 16 since 2014.
Taylor Twellman, a former USMNT player, has voiced his concerns about the potential impact of a poor showing. He believes that if the U.S. team fails to reach the knockout stage, it could be a ‘massive failure’ and damage the sport’s trajectory. He pointed out that the 1994 World Cup played a significant role in increasing soccer’s popularity in the United States, leading to the creation of Major League Soccer. Now, 32 years later, the U.S. team’s performance is seen as a key factor in determining the sport’s future in the country.
As the World Cup approaches, more athletes are showing interest in soccer, as evidenced by Twellman’s experiences at the charity golf event, where he noted that his peers are asking more questions about the sport. He emphasized the growing awareness and expectations surrounding the U.S. team, stating that if the team advances to the quarterfinals, it could mark a significant turning point for soccer in the United States. Twellman added that the success of the U.S. team in the World Cup is crucial for the sport’s growth and its position in the American sports landscape.