LOS ANGELES -- In the wake of the U.S. men's national team's 1-0 defeat to Panama in the semifinals of the Concacaf Nations League (CNL), it's fair to say it's time for USMNT fans to worry about the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The U.S. has shown flashes of stellar play since manager Mauricio Pochettino took over last September, especially in the CNL quarterfinal series with Jamaica. But Thursday's semifinal exit exposed some old troubles.
The USMNT's lack of aggression to start matches, especially when the opposition cedes possession, remains a problem.