The United States Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) is going through one of the most critical phases in its recent history. During the June 2025 FIFA window, Mauricio Pochettino’s squad suffered two consecutive friendly defeats—2-1 to Turkey and a heavy 4-0 loss to Switzerland. This marks the team’s worst losing streak since 2007 and raises serious concerns just one year before the nation hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Breakdown of the losses
The loss to Turkey on June 8 in East Hartford, Connecticut, exposed a combination of defensive mistakes and lack of experience. Despite an early goal by Jack McGlynn, the team conceded an own goal and another quick strike, flipping the match in Turkey’s favor. Coach Pochettino fielded several debutants, highlighting the need to rotate the roster amid key player absences.
Three days later, the USMNT faced a humbling 4-0 defeat to Switzerland in Nashville. All four goals were conceded within the first 36 minutes—one of the worst defensive showings in recent memory. Goalkeeper Matt Turner, making his return after a long break, and debutants like Sebastian Berhalter and the Aaronson brothers (Brenden and Paxten) couldn’t stop the onslaught. Pochettino took responsibility for the experimental lineup, but criticism soon followed.
Internal tensions and criticism
The absence of key players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie sparked controversy. Pulisic, who opted out of the Gold Cup to rest after a demanding season with AC Milan, defended his decision and called the backlash over his national team commitment “unfair.” Still, former USMNT legends like Landon Donovan voiced their disappointment, pointing to a lack of dedication from some of the star players.
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“They said no”: Pulisic says Pochettino blocked him from June friendlies ahead of 2025 Gold Cup
Looking Ahead to the 2026 World Cup
With the 2025 Gold Cup about to kick off, the USMNT has a chance to bounce back. Their group stage begins June 15 against Trinidad and Tobago, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia and Haiti. A strong showing could help restore confidence in Pochettino’s project. However, the recent setbacks have cast doubt on the team’s readiness to host and compete in the World Cup on home soil.
FIFA Rankings – June 2025
Despite the rocky results, the U.S. remains ranked 16th in the FIFA World Rankings as of June 12, 2025. The position reflects the squad’s potential but also underscores the urgent need for improvement ahead of 2026.
FIFA Top 10 – June 2025:
- Argentina
- Spain
- France
- England
- Brazil
- Netherlands
- Portugal
- Belgium
- Italy
- Germany
The U.S. remains the top-ranked team in CONCACAF, ahead of Mexico (17th) and Canada (30th).
Now more than ever, the USMNT must reclaim its identity and elevate its performance. The clock is ticking, and the 2025 Gold Cup may be the last chance to steady the ship before the world arrives on American soil.
