After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) returned to the global stage at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The tournament was unusual: for the first time it was held in November and December, pausing domestic league seasons around the world.
A tough group
The USMNT were drawn in Group B alongside England, Wales and Iran. England, semi-finalists in 2018 and runners-up at Euro 2020, were favourites to top the group. Wales, inspired by Gareth Bale, were appearing at their first World Cup since 1958, while Iran were experienced World Cup regulars. Before the tournament, the US were widely seen as contenders for second place.
Looking back to 2014
The previous time the US played at a World Cup was in Brazil in 2014. They impressed by escaping a difficult group that included eventual champions Germany, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Ghana. After beating Ghana 2-1 and drawing 2-2 with Portugal, they lost narrowly to Germany but advanced on goal difference.
In the round of 16, the US faced a talented Belgium side. Goalkeeper Tim Howard produced a record-breaking performance, with Tim Howard providing fans with an exceptional display and 16 saves, but Belgium won 2-1 after extra time, with Romelu Lukaku among the scorers. Missing out on 2018 made the return in 2022 even more significant.
Key players for 2022
Despite the overall quality of their group, the US squad featured an exciting young core playing at top European clubs:
- Christian Pulisic and Giovanni Reyna: creative attacking players expected to drive the team forward.
- Tyler Adams: the team captain and midfield anchor, then at Leeds United.
- Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah: energetic central midfielders.
- Antonee Robinson and Sergiño Dest: attacking full-backs.
- Tim Weah: a pacy forward.
- Matt Turner: the first-choice goalkeeper, then at Arsenal.
Several other Americans, including Brenden Aaronson, Tim Ream and Chris Richards, were playing in the Premier League this season, a sign of the team’s growing quality.
How it turned out
The US drew 1-1 with Wales and 0-0 with England, then beat Iran 1-0 with a goal from Pulisic to finish second in the group. In the round of 16 they lost 3-1 to the Netherlands. While the team lacked the experience of the 2014 squad, which included names such as Howard, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan, the young side showed promise ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
