USMNT Faces Crucial Summer Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Fox Sports analyst Stu Holden believes the upcoming Copa America and Olympics will be a critical test for the U.S. men's national soccer team, as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup they will host.

The United States men's national soccer team (USMNT) is poised to embark on a crucial summer in 2024, with the Copa America and Olympic Games set to test their mettle ahead of the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup. Fox Sports analyst and former USMNT member Stu Holden views this summer as a "litmus test" for the team and head coach Gregg Berhalter.

With the World Cup set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026, the USMNT is eager to showcase its potential on home soil. However, Holden believes that this summer's international tournaments will provide a vital assessment of the team's progress.

"I think this is a huge summer for Gregg Berhalter," Holden told Fox News Digital. "You're going to have the Gold Cup in '25, but this is going to be the biggest test this team will face ahead of the '26 World Cup."

The Copa America, in particular, holds significant importance for the USMNT. In group play, the team will face Uruguay, a formidable opponent that could pose a serious challenge. Should the U.S. advance from the group stage, they are likely to encounter powerhouses Brazil or Colombia in the quarterfinals.

Holden emphasizes the importance of success in this tournament. "That game, if they should get there, which they should, if they don't, you and I are having a different conversation in a couple months about doomsday for the U.S. men's program again."

Berhalter's position as head coach is also under scrutiny. Despite the team captains and new sporting director Matt Crocker expressing confidence in his leadership, Holden believes that the results of this summer's tournaments will ultimately determine his fate.

"I'm starting to get into the camp of some doubt of whether he is the right guy for 2026," Holden admitted. "Yet, in the real games, he'd had to prove that again, they smash Mexico in the final of the Nations League."

Holden acknowledges the talent of the current USMNT squad, which includes stars such as Tyler Adams, Christian Pulisic, and Gio Reyna. However, he emphasizes that they have yet to achieve significant results on the world stage.

"I've always said, talent is all great and well, and we can talk about how talented this generation is, but they've yet to achieve anything of note that no other generation has done in the past," Holden said.

If the USMNT fails to meet expectations this summer, questions will inevitably arise about the team's direction. However, a strong showing at the Copa America and Olympics could solidify Berhalter's position as head coach and provide a foundation for future success.

The United States begins its Copa America group stage matches on June 23 against Bolivia. The results of this summer's international competitions will have a profound impact on the USMNT's preparations for the 2026 World Cup and the trajectory of the program in the years to come.