local
Same old story: US men's soccer team has been stagnant for quarter century
By Ronald Blum, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 7, 2026
· 5 min read
For all the growth in American soccer over the past quarter-century, the U.S. men's national team remains stagnant.Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie fared no better at the World Cup in 2022 and 2026 than Tim Howard, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore did in 2010 and 2014.“We want ...
Key takeaway “We want to be able to go and compete with some of the best in the world and we just still have that next step to come,” Pulisic said after Monday night's error-filled 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
The stagnant performance of the US men's national soccer team has implications for Montgomery County soccer fans, who have seen significant growth in the sport locally. As the team struggles to compete with the world's elite, local enthusiasts may wonder what this means for the development of soccer in their own community. The fact that players like Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman have increased their value to the team is a positive note, but the overall lack of progress is a concern. With the next World Cup just four years away, Magnolia residents will be watching to see if the team can finally take the next step and become a serious contender. The decision on whether US coach Mauricio Pochettino will stay in the job will also be closely watched, as it could have a significant impact on the team's future prospects.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? For all the growth in American soccer over the past quarter-century, the U.S. men's national team remains stagnant.Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie fared no better at the World Cup in 2022 and 2026 than Tim Howard, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore did in 2010 and 2014.“We want ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ronald Blum, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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