When 2026 comes to an end, soccer will be in a new era in the United States, relishing the post-World Cup glow that many hope will push the game to new levels of attention.
Yet 2025 laid the final groundwork for the showcase event in June and July. The U.S. men’s national team failed to win a trophy, finishing fourth and second in two Concacaf competitions before conspiring to play the most entertaining and cohesive enjoyed under manager Mauricio Pochettino. Major League Soccer delivered its own roller coaster of emotions while the nation’s best exports struck new heights in Europe.
