USMNT’s 2026 World Cup hopefuls can draw on shared experiences this January, making the most of their time together. In the aftermath of the United States men’s team’s disappointing exit from last summer’s Olympics in Paris, it was challenging to view the tournament as a triumph.
While the American squad qualified for the Olympics for the first time since 2008 and managed to advance from a group that included the host nation, France, the young team—largely comprised of players aged 23 and under—suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against Morocco in the quarterfinals. This loss raised questions about the depth of the USMNT program.
However, history may cast that team in a different light.
Currently, five members of the 2024 Olympic squad are training with the senior team under Coach Mauricio Pochettino. With top talents like Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams unavailable this month due to club commitments, these young players have a prime opportunity to impress during nearly two weeks of training sessions in Florida, alongside friendly matches against Venezuela and Costa Rica.
“For me, the Olympics was a huge learning experience,” said 21-year-old midfielder Jack McGlynn, reflecting on his journey ahead of the upcoming match against Venezuela in Fort Lauderdale.
McGlynn made his senior U.S. debut last January under then-coach Gregg Berhalter, as did fellow 2024 Olympians John Tolkin and Patrick Schulte. Benjamin Cremaschi of Inter Miami earned his first senior cap late in 2023.
All of these young athletes have developed significantly since their Olympic experience, and competing on such a significant international stage—despite the disappointment—has contributed to their growth.
“The Olympics is very tough,” noted 19-year-old Cremaschi. “It’s very short. It comes and goes. But I feel like we had a good group. We faced tough opponents, and while we fell short, we were pleased with our preparation and performance at times.”
“Next time I have an opportunity like that,” he continued, “I can show my experience. I know how the pressure feels.”
This experience matters. While correlation does not imply causation, evidence suggests that young players who gain experience in major tournaments are better prepared for future competitions, such as the upcoming World Cup.
The USMNT’s best World Cup performance since 1930 occurred in 2002 when they reached the quarterfinals. Notably, several players from that Olympic squad in Sydney two years earlier contributed to that success. Conversely, the U.S. team’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup was foreshadowed by missed Olympic opportunities in 2012 and 2016.
It’s not just the younger players in South Florida who are better prepared this time. Center back Walker Zimmerman, who started three of the USMNT’s four World Cup games in 2022, has faced injury setbacks, limiting him to just four appearances since. However, he was selected as one of the three over-age players allowed on the U.S. Olympic roster, alongside Miles Robinson and Djordje Mihailovic. With Robinson and fellow Qatar 2022 veterans Tim Ream, Shaq Moore, and Jesús Ferreira also present in January, Zimmerman has established strong relationships with many squad members, which has facilitated his smooth integration this month.
“I got to know a lot of these guys at the Olympics, building chemistry and friendships on and off the field,” Zimmerman shared. “It’s always enjoyable to reunite and spend time together.”
Despite the camaraderie, the focus remains on the task at hand. With the World Cup set to take place on home soil next year, every player aspires to be part of the team. While Pochettino has emphasized fitness during the initial days of this camp, which primarily consists of MLS players, he still anticipates winning these exhibition matches. The U.S. faced losses in standalone January games in both 2023 and 2024.
With limited time available, newcomers must quickly adapt if they hope to remain in contention when Pulisic, Adams, and other key players return in March for the Concacaf Nations League final four. Of the 24 players training in Florida, 20 are experiencing Pochettino’s coaching for the first time. Any existing familiarity among them could be invaluable.
“Everything counts,” Ream stated. “Every moment matters, from the time you wake up until you go to sleep. It’s crucial to understand what he wants from us.”
“We’ve all learned this from his first two camps,” Ream added, having served as Pochettino’s captain in October and November. “The January group is getting their first taste of his approach, and even in just the first two days, they’re recognizing its significance.”
The benefits may not be fully realized until 2026.
