Analysts expect the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) to potentially make a deep run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup [1].
This optimism comes as the U.S. hosts the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, providing a significant home-soil advantage for the national team [4, 5]. A strong performance would mark a historic turning point for American soccer, which has struggled to maintain momentum in the tournament's later stages.
Joe Prince‑Wright, Nick Mendola, and Andy Edwards said that the team is motivated to improve on its historical record [1, 2, 3]. The USMNT has not won a knockout-stage game at a World Cup in 24 years [1].
Betting markets reflect this cautious optimism. The USMNT money-line odds are currently set at -105, meaning a bettor must risk $105 to win $100 [2]. Additionally, the over/under total goals for the upcoming match between the U.S. and Paraguay is set at two [2].
Group-stage fixtures begin this month as the tournament kicks off across North America [1, 2]. The combination of a maturing roster, and the support of home crowds, is seen as a catalyst for the team to advance further than in previous cycles.
While the U.S. has historically struggled in the knockout rounds, analysts said the current environment is different. The desire to break the 24-year drought [1] is a primary driver for the squad as they enter the group stage.
“The USMNT has not won a knockout-stage game at a World Cup in 24 years”
The 2026 World Cup represents a rare convergence of hosting duties and a competitive roster for the U.S. If the team can overcome the psychological barrier of a 24-year knockout win drought, the tournament could permanently elevate the profile of soccer in the U.S. and establish the national team as a consistent global contender rather than a periodic underdog.
