From Christian Pulisic’s individual success to the USMNT exiting the World Cup earlier than hoped, GOAL outlines its predictions for American soccer in 2026.
The past year delivered no shortage of high points across the U.S. soccer landscape. MLS endured a slow start but found its rhythm when it mattered most, producing an electric postseason that ended with Lionel Messi finally lifting the MLS Cup. In the NWSL, the league’s most dominant regular-season side fell short, while a USWNT-led Gotham FC authored a remarkable playoff run to claim the title.
The national teams followed suit. Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT closed the year with momentum, offering early signs that his project is beginning to take shape heading into a World Cup year. The USWNT, meanwhile, were so dominant that it raised a familiar question: Is anyone capable of slowing them down?
But there were lows as well. Questions linger over Trinity Rodman’s long-term future, while Christian Pulisic’s brief rupture with the national team underscored some of the tensions that surfaced during the year. Taken together, those moments only add to the intrigue heading into 2026, a pivotal World Cup year.
With that in mind, GOAL outlines its 10 predictions for American soccer in the year ahead…
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Pulisic wins Serie A Player of the Year
Though it's by no means a guarantee that he will close the season with such quality, Pulisic's Serie A campaign so far has been his best in a Milan shirt. The American has already hit double-digit goals this season despite playing less than 600 minutes, and has chipped in with two assists, too. He has, in short, been Milan's best player, and the are in the thick of the title hunt. That should be more than enough.
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Gio Reyna starts at the World Cup…
Why not? Reyna's performances for Borussia Monchengladbach have picked up of late, and he contributed to three goals during the USMNT's friendlies in October. Pochettino's version of the U.S. is very much a meritocracy where good club form is rewarded. If Reyna keeps it up, he has far and away more talent than anyone else in his position.
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…but the USMNT make it no further than the round of 16
Still, it might not be enough for the U.S., who seem a tad short of the rest of the field. As the search for a signature win against a opponent goes on, it has become clear that Pochettino's men sit below football's elite. Realistically, the last 16 is their ceiling.
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The USWNT don't lose a game
The women's national team, meanwhile, are on top of the world. Head coach Emma Hayes has rotated her squad for the past 18 months, and has made an already deep player pool look even better. They have a duo of friendlies to negotiate at the end of the month, and the English manager will surely want to schedule some tough fixtures. But who can stop them?
