Eighteen matches, eleven wins, one draw, and six defeats – 2025 has finally come to an end for the USMNT. The team faced a mix of tough and easy opponents, from friendlies to important CONCACAF Gold Cup and Nations League fixtures. Every game served as a learning experience ahead of next summer’s challenge: the 2026 World Cup. With that in mind, one big question remains – what comes next for Mauricio Pochettino and his squad?

When will the USMNT return to action now?

The “Golden Generation” closed the final international window of the year with two impressive friendly wins – 2-1 against Paraguay and 5-1 against Uruguay. Many expected the team to schedule more games in December, but that won’t happen. Instead, the USMNT will take a four-month break before returning in March.

As World Cup co-hosts, the U.S., Mexico, and Canada will each play two matches in March 2026. The opponents will be Portugal and Belgium, with both games scheduled at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The matchups were approved after both European teams secured their spots in World Cup qualification, as previously reported by The Athletic.

Not having a January 2026 window creates a challenge for Pochettino, as it will be the team’s longest stretch without games since he took charge. With no direct contact with his players, issues such as injuries and time management can arise. Still, Pochettino has full confidence in their club environments.

“We need to understand that it’s so difficult to be involved with the players in this period,” Pochettino said on Monday. “And we need to respect the coaching staffs that they have at their clubs. We need to really trust.” While Pochettino has given full support to both his players and their domestic sides, the eventual ultimatum remains the same: “They need to do everything to be in their best form to be selected for March.”

Pre-World Cup schedule ft. Mauricio Pochettino and Co.

After the March games, the USMNT will regroup for a multi-city pre-World Cup camp at the new National Training Center (NTC) in Fayetteville, Georgia. The camp will run from May 27 to June 5. By then, the European season will have ended, making all players available full-time. MLS will pause during the World Cup.

This camp will essentially serve as the team’s pre-World Cup window. Their first match is scheduled for late May on the East Coast, likely in Charlotte, with the opponent to be confirmed after the December 5 World Cup draw. FIFA will reveal all 48 teams and the 12 groups then.

The second pre-World Cup match is set for the first weekend of June, most likely against Germany in Chicago.

(Note: This could change if both teams end up in the same World Cup group, but as expected Pot 1 teams, that scenario remains unlikely.)

After the Chicago game, the squad will fly to Southern California, where the University of California, Irvine will serve as their World Cup base. Their official tournament journey begins June 7.

USMNT Group Stage Matches:

• • June 12 — SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)

  • June 19 — Lumen Field (Seattle)

  • June 25 — SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles)

  Between matches, the team will return to Irvine for training. If they advance to the knockout rounds, their path will depend on group placement:

  • Finish 1st in Group D: July 1, Round of 32 at Levi’s Stadium (Santa Clara)

  • Finish 2nd: July 3 at AT&T Stadium (Arlington, Texas)

  • Finish 3rd: Advancement depends on ranking among the 12 third-place teams; top 8 move on

  • Finish 4th: Eliminated

When will the USMNT’s FIFA 2026 World Cup roster be announced?

The final roster will be revealed in late May, just before camp begins. This differs from past cycles, where the first week of camp doubled as a trial period. Pochettino wants clarity, which means no extended tryout week and no last-minute cuts. If injuries occur, replacements will be brought in early, allowing him to maintain a steady camp environment.

While the team is apart, Pochettino and his staff will stay busy. After the December 5 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., they will begin “Operation 2026 World Cup,” which includes scouting group-stage opponents, planning logistics, and preparing for the March camp. They will also attend the December 2 summit in New York. Additionally, the USMNT’s 2026 World Cup kits will be unveiled in March.

In short, there’s a packed schedule ahead. How the USMNT navigates these crucial months will shape its World Cup journey.