The USMNT have now completed their preparations for the 2026 World Cup following a 2-1 defeat to Germany in Chicago.
It is difficult to know what to expect of Mauricio Pochettino’s side heading into this tournament.
Host nations have been known to exceed expectations at the World Cup, but the US have rarely fully convinced under the former Tottenham manager’s watch.
While little can really be taken from what happens in pre-tournament friendlies, the USMNT were beaten 2-1 by Germany at Soldier Field.
Defender Antonee Robinson, however, scored the very best goal of his career just days before the World Cup.
Antonee Robinson says he scored the best goal of his career against Germany
Pochettino’s team fell behind to an early Kai Havertz goal but responded with a brilliant effort of their own.
Robinson, who plays for Premier League side Fulham, unleashed a fearsome volley from outside the penalty box that flew past German goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.
Asked by journalist Ben Jacobs if that was the best goal he’d ever scored in his career, Robinson said: “I think I’ve only ever struck the ball like that once in a game and it hit the post! So I’m just happy it went in this time.”
He added: “I’d say so [that is the best goal of his career], yeah.”
It was a brilliant goal in what was a strong performance from the USMNT, although Germany forward Leroy Sane would eventually win it for his side by scoring off a Havertz assist in the 57th minute.
The next time the USMNT take to the field will be when they play Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday night.
They then play games against Australia (Seattle, June 19) and Turkey (June 26, Los Angeles) in a campaign that Pochettino will hope extends further into the knockout rounds.
Not since the 2002 World Cup have the USMNT been past the round of 16, having reached the quarter-finals during that tournament in South Korea and Japan.
Read more:
Why the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony won’t be held in the US
FIFA gives clarity on water bottle rule at World Cup stadiums and fans are furious
USA created unwanted history with 2-1 loss to Germany on eve of the 2026 World Cup
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
