United States coach Gregg Berhalter has an extra reason to strive for success in the 2026 World Cup. Growing up near MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the venue for the final match of the tournament, Berhalter is fueled by the prospect of potentially playing just minutes away from his childhood home. In an interview, Berhalter expressed his excitement, stating, “It would really be a dream come true. We really want to make the country proud.” With FIFA awarding the final to the home of the NFL’s New York Jets and Giants, Berhalter sees the opportunity to showcase his team’s talent on a global stage and leave a lasting impact on American soccer.
The 2026 World Cup will mark the first time the tournament is spread across three nations: the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Mexico and Canada will host 13 matches each, while the U.S. will serve as the primary host. This distribution allows for a more inclusive and diverse tournament, breaking geographical boundaries and celebrating the unity of North American soccer. For the U.S. team, this means a range of different venues and locations, providing opportunities to engage with fans from various regions and offer a truly American soccer experience.
For Berhalter and his team, the prospect of playing on home soil brings countless advantages. With a core group of talented young players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams, the U.S. team has the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. Berhalter draws inspiration from Morocco, who surprised the world with their semifinal run in the previous World Cup. He believes that anything is possible, and he wants the American people to see themselves reflected in the team’s diversity and be able to connect with their style of play.
As the host nation, the U.S. team will not have to participate in World Cup qualifiers. Instead, they will focus on two tournaments: the Concacaf Nations League and the Copa América. Both competitions will take place on American soil, providing the players with the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of their home fans. The U.S. team is the defending champions of the Concacaf Nations League and will face Jamaica in the semifinals. Additionally, they will compete against Bolivia, Panama, and Uruguay in the group stage of the Copa América. These tournaments will serve as crucial preparation and a chance for the team to build chemistry ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Reflecting on their past performances in the World Cup, the U.S. team has often fallen short of their desired goals. The last time they reached the quarterfinals was in 2002, where Berhalter himself was part of the team that narrowly lost to Germany. This latest opportunity to compete on home soil presents a chance for redemption and an opportunity to redefine American soccer. With the support of the passionate American fans and the talent of their young squad, Berhalter aims to make history and establish the U.S. as a force to be reckoned with in international football.
The upcoming 2026 World Cup in the United States holds immense significance for Gregg Berhalter and the U.S. team. Being close to his childhood home, Berhalter finds added motivation and dreams of leading his team to the final at MetLife Stadium. The tournament’s spread across three nations symbolizes unity and inclusivity in North American soccer. With the advantage of playing on home soil, the U.S. team hopes to inspire the nation, showcasing their diverse squad and connecting with fans across the country. As the host nation, they will focus on two key tournaments this year, aiming to continue their success in the Concacaf Nations League and making an impact in the Copa América. Ultimately, this World Cup represents a chance for redemption and recognition, as Berhalter strives to create a lasting legacy for American soccer.