The USMNT’s Biggest Problem Isn’t Talent—It’s Mentality

We have not quite found the Blueprint for success for the U.S. Men’s National Team

Is it pride? Is it competitive spirit? Is it discipline? Or resilience? I think it could be all of the above.

We have heard time and time again that this is the most talented generation of players in U.S. Men’s National Team history, the Golden Generation. With a roster full of players contributing at top European clubs, from Christian Pulisic at AC Milan to Weston McKennie and Tim Weah at Juventus, Tyler Adams at Bournemouth, Antonee Robinson at Fulham the team has a level of technical ability that was unheard of in previous generations. However, despite this pool of talent, something is missing. This is not a team with a killer instinct or the ability to consistently get results in must-win scenarios. The technical ability is there, but the competitive spirit, desperation and pride seems to be lacking.

Take, for example, the recent CONCACAF Nations League third-place match against Canada. Based on nearly every statistic, Canada was the better team and deserved their 2-1 victory. This meant the U.S. finished outside of the top three in a regional competition where they were expected to dominate. Time and time again, the U.S. falls short in knockout tournaments, be it the Gold Cup, the Nations League, or the FIFA World Cup. The team simply lacks the mentality that everything is earned, and nothing is given. The assumption that results will come has cost them in crucial moments.

Do the players care? Absolutely. Are they trying their best? I think so. But the DNA of this team is missing a key component. The 2002 U.S. team, for instance, was not the most talented group, but it was one of the most cohesive and competitive. That team nearly reached the World Cup semifinals because they played with a collective pride and identity that is absent from the current squad. They understood their limitations, played to their strengths, and had a mentality that allowed them to compete at the highest level.

The Systematic Issues in U.S. Soccer

The struggles of the U.S. Men’s National Team are not isolated to the senior team. At the youth level, the same shortcomings are evident. The U-17 team has failed to advance past the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup since 1999 when they finished fourth. The U-20 team, despite flashes of potential, has struggled to translate their talent into tangible success. The Olympic team, which should be a stepping stone to the senior squad, failed to qualify for the past three tournaments before finally securing a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics but failed to progress in the knockout round losing to Morocco 4-0.

These failures point to a deeper problem within the U.S. soccer system. Unlike other successful footballing nations, the U.S. does not have a clearly defined identity or culture that unifies its development approach. Instead, the system often prioritizes individual talent over team cohesion. As an example the youth development system revolves around securing a college scholarship - for that individual player. Players are developed in a fragmented environment, bouncing between pay-to-play academies and professional-affiliated academies without a singular philosophy guiding their growth. Clubs seem to hang on to that “one” player they develop as their Blueprint to success rather than consistently turning out “talent”.

One of the most glaring issues is that U.S. youth soccer has become more of a business than a developmental pipeline. The pay-to-play model focuses on quantity rather than quality. Some talented players who don’t have the financial resources limit the talent pool, preventing the country from developing the most competitive team possible. In contrast, countries like Argentina, Brazil, and even smaller European nations prioritize youth development and find ways to sponsor players as a national initiative rather than a profit-driven enterprise. We must start at the grassroots level. 

The Mentality Gap: What Is Missing?

When analyzing the most successful footballing nations, one key factor stands out—their unwavering competitive spirit. Countries like Argentina, France, and Germany approach every match with a do-or-die mentality. Players grow up in environments where competition is fierce, and every training session is a battle. The desperation to win is ingrained in their DNA from a young age.

In contrast, the U.S. system does not instill that same sense of urgency. Many American players grow up in structured, comfortable environments where development is measured by college scholarships rather than professional success. There is a safety net that many players fall back on, knowing that failure in soccer does not mean failure in life. While this is great from a holistic standpoint, it does not foster the type of desperation needed to compete at the highest levels of international soccer.

Additionally, the lack of high-stakes youth competitions in the U.S. contributes to this mentality gap. In South America and Europe, young players are exposed to highly competitive environments from an early age. They play in intense local derbies, face the pressure of relegation battles, and compete in youth tournaments where winning is everything. By the time they reach the senior level, they are already battle-tested.

The Path Forward

If the U.S. wants to compete with the world’s best, changes need to be made at every level of the game. Here are a few key steps that could help reshape the future of U.S. soccer:

1. Establish a Clear Soccer Identity

   • The U.S. must define how it wants to play and stick to that philosophy at every level. Whether it's a high-pressing, physically dominant style or a possession-based approach, there needs to be a consistent identity that players grow up with. This identity must revolve around a blue-collar mentality reflecting the culture of the United States. 

2. Reform the Youth System

   • The pay-to-play model needs to be reevaluated. I’m not saying the pay-to-play model needs to be removed because that is not possible right now. More resources should be invested in coaching education, webinars and low-cost academy programs to ensure the best players, regardless of socioeconomic background, have access to top-tier training environments.

3. Increase Competitive Exposure

   • Young American players need more high-stakes competitions. Creating a structured league system with promotion and relegation at the youth level would increase the competitive nature of games and prepare players for the pressures of international tournaments. Think of the old ODP structure. 

4. Develop a Winning Mentality

   • The U.S. must instill a culture of accountability and desperation in its players. This means prioritizing mental toughness and resilience as much as technical ability in development programs. Coaches need to be held accountable, challenged on their approach to ensure an honest commitment towards player and personal development. They need to stop “relying” on that one player that was “developed” at their club as the pathway to success. 

Conclusion

Talent alone is not enough to succeed at the highest level of international soccer. The U.S. has the players, the resources, and the infrastructure to compete with the world’s best, but until the team develops a true winning mentality, the results will continue to fall short of expectations. The time for excuses is over. If the U.S. wants to truly make an impact on the world stage, it must embrace a culture of competition, desperation, and pride. Only then will the U.S. Men’s National Team reach its full potential.