Tyler Adams Reflects on USMNT Journey Before World Cup
Just six days before the pivotal moment of his career—the World Cup—Tyler Adams stands at Soldier Field, sharing a memory from the early days of the U.S. men’s national team. He recalls watching a crucial match from the comfort of his couch with his stepdad, Darryl Sullivan.
The score? Trinidad and Tobago 2, USA 1.
In that moment, Adams remembers Sullivan turning to him and saying, “You can help this team.” At just 18, with the New York Red Bulls, he was on the verge of moving to Germany to join RB Leipzig. Christian Pulisic, only 19 at the time, scored the U.S.’s lone goal but was devastated on the field, knowing the loss meant the team would miss the 2018 World Cup—an absence since 1986.
“I felt like I was so close to getting that first call-up,” Adams reflects. “Who knows? Maybe if they had qualified, I would have played in that World Cup. But I got my foot in the door soon after.”
A month later, both Adams and Weston McKennie made their national team debuts during a 1-1 draw against Portugal. By May 2018, Pulisic’s next match included a starting lineup featuring McKennie, Timothy Weah, Anthony Robinson, and Josh Sargent. The U.S. team was in the process of finding its new coach after Bruce Arena’s departure and pinpointing young talents who could shine in 2026, when the World Cup comes to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
“That group was the core,” said Gregg Berhalter, who would lead the team in the last World Cup. “Players like Christian, Weston, and Tyler, along with Timmy and others, were emerging as the future.” This generation, blending talent with an opportunity to shine on home soil, combined with years of anticipation for this summer.
And now, that moment is finally here.
While there’s no definitive list, the golden generation from the 2022 World Cup included names like Sargent and Yunus Moussa. Since then, fresh talents like Folarin Balogun and Chris Richards have stepped up. Adams, McKennie, and Pulisic—now all 27—have been integral in getting the USMNT to this point.
“I feel ready,” Adams said. “I’ve been preparing for this and nothing seems to phase me right now, which is a good feeling. I’m eager to express that.”
This team’s ambition isn’t just to progress to the next round; there’s a widespread consensus about aiming for the quarterfinals—an achievement that eluded the USMNT since 2002.
Ultimately, the journey that began eight years ago is set to reach its climax Friday night when the U.S. faces Paraguay at SoFi Stadium.
“We each have a role to play,” goalkeeper Matt Turner noted. “It’s about changing soccer in this country for good.”
At the halfway mark of this journey, the team seems to be on the right track. Leading up to the 2022 World Cup, the U.S. reestablished itself in North America, claiming triumphs like winning the Nations League following a tough qualifying process for Qatar.
During the tournament, the team advanced from the group stage, aided by Pulisic’s heroics, even as he was hospitalized after a goal against Iran. Though they were ousted by the Netherlands in the round of 16, the young team returned home feeling accomplished.
They featured the tournament’s youngest team and boasted more American players flourishing in Europe, with increasing participation in the UEFA Champions League.
As Ernie Stewart, former U.S. Soccer sporting director, remarked, “The focus is on the 2022 World Cup, but looking ahead to another opportunity in four years, these players will be at their peak, which is amazing.”
Yet, post-tournament, tensions arose. The controversy surrounding Gio Reyna’s mother exposing past incidents involving coach Berhalter impacted the team’s dynamics. After an internal review, Berhalter received a new contract but was let go after a disappointing Copa America.
Mauricio Pochettino stepped in as the new coach, looking to reshape the culture. Yet, challenges arose when Pulisic expressed concern over the new direction. Pochettino’s approach emphasized the importance of commitment to the national team, pushing players to embrace a deeper sense of responsibility.
During the Gold Cup, despite falling to Mexico in the final, Pochettino’s influence began to take shape with a tactical shift that led to a solid victory over Japan. He continued to sift through talent, aiming to cultivate a competitive spirit within the team.
“We play intensely, but with the right mindset,” noted Tim Ream, the team’s captain. “It’s about finding that balance, and I think we’re starting to see players integrating that naturally.”
So, what does this all mean for the most invested group in U.S. soccer history? At the club level, this golden generation has largely met expectations, with many players establishing themselves in top European leagues.
However, at the international stage, uncertainty looms. After a loss to Germany before the World Cup, the USMNT has yet to overcome European opponents working under Pochettino.
With a roster shaped by experiences and camaraderie over the years, many players feel a deep sense of unity. “Honestly, it feels like family,” Pulisic shared, adding that the group genuinely enjoys being together. “We love being back at camp and it’s exciting to be in this tournament.”
This could be their best opportunity yet.
“We experienced a great moment of belief when we were winning,” Dest reflected. “There have been ups and downs, but ultimately, what counts is doing well now. If we succeed, I think everyone will overlook the past.”
