ARLINGTON, Tex. — As the 2026 World Cup draws closer, expectations surrounding the U.S. men’s national soccer team will swell with each match. The days of accentuating growth in a young squad will soon fade, usurped by uncompromising demand to beat most opponents and at least test the mighty rest.
The first step on the two-year journey — a Concacaf Nations League semifinal against Jamaica on Thursday — promised to showcase a U.S. roster close to full strength and a program hungry to show strides.
Instead, it brought a disjointed performance, an unfathomable start and an inconceivable finish to regular time, then a 3-1 victory on a pair of extra-time goals by substitute Haji Wright.