Taylor Twellman, a former MLS star turned television analyst, recently voiced his concerns about the U.S. men's national team's preparation for major tournaments.
He argues that the squad's limited exposure to top‑tier opposition, especially the missed opportunity to host Copa América on home soil, left the team under‑cooked for the World Cup.
According to Twellman, the nature of international friendlies has shifted with FIFA's Nations League, which has raised the overall quality of non‑tournament matches, making them more competitive than in the past.
The analyst points out that many rival nations boast deeper talent pools, citing players such as Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi as examples of the caliber the U.S. must match.
He believes that expanding the talent base through more inclusive youth programs, particularly for players aged 17 to 21, could quickly narrow the gap between the United States and the world's soccer powers.
A Path Forward for U.S. Soccer
Twellman suggests that a coordinated effort between MLS, youth clubs and national selectors could create a more robust pipeline, allowing the U.S. to field a squad that reflects the diversity and competitiveness of the sport globally.
If the federation embraces a schedule that prioritizes high‑stakes games and invests in grassroots development, the USMNT may finally translate its growing participation into results that rival its counterparts.