Is the USMNT overrated or underrated?

Some call the USMNT underrated, some call it overrated.

The former look at the startlingly young crop of players at Gregg Berhalter’s disposal and judge their accomplishments. A Gold Cup, a UEFA Nations League, World Cup qualification all within about a year. To top it off, the main contingent of American representatives on the side are so young.

Of all the teams to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, the United States is by far the youngest based on the average age of players throughout the tournament. At an average age of 24.5, the USMNT is nearly a year younger than Ecuador, the second-youngest team to qualify.

Essentially, the USMNT faced doubters in the past. Those that call the USMNT underrated, not overrated, believe Berhalter’s boys can do it again.

However, there are those that deem the United States overrated. Perhaps they attribute the successes in North America to relatively weakened opposition. Sure, the United States qualified, but they finished third in CONCACAF behind Canada and Mexico, struggling to four draws and three losses along the way.

Against opposition from outside the continent, the United States holds a mixed bag of results. Most recently, the USMNT lost in a dismal performance against Japan. Then, four days later, Berhalter’s side played Saudi Arabia to a dreary scoreless draw.

Injuries are not helping the outlook for the World Cup. Yet, those that believe the USMNT is overrated entering Qatar find issues deeper than just who is available. With a tough group in store, the United States may be in over its head.

Is the USMNT overrated or underrated?

Now, the USMNT is less than a month away from the World Cup. For the vast majority of the projected final roster, this is their first trip to the tournament. There, it faces Iran, Wales and a semifinalist from four years ago, England.

It is not an easy group, given that it has the best average FIFA World Ranking among all groups. However, it is not impossible.

In your eyes, does the USMNT embody a team that people look down upon that can rise against the pressure and expectations? Or, does the USMNT not have the right mindset, and will the three group stage games come as a wake up call that is too late?

Let us know your thoughts in the comment section down below.