
Conclusion
For the better part of the last four years, being a USMNT fan has been more of a character-building experience than an enjoyable one. It often felt as though the fans were the only ones who cared about the team and its future.
At the same time, the USMNT now has a new manager and the 2026 World Cup to look forward to. In seven years’ time, the country will be tasked with playing host to the best tournament ever created and U.S. soccer culture will be put on a pedestal for all to see. Success will require a collective effort from all affiliated with U.S. soccer and the myriad of soccer fans spread across this diverse country and all of its subcultures.
Major League Soccer and the USMNT have begun to put an emphasis on celebrating the many soccer subcultures within the larger community. The increasing of U.S. soccer’s awareness of its diversity is just beginning and the goal of a comprehensive celebration of the soccer community will find its culmination in 2026.
Until then, fans should continue to demand more of the USSF and USMNT on and off the pitch because the climb towards 2026 begins now, as early as January 1st, 2019. Some of the first steps towards success in seven years are found on this list but this wish list is far from complete. One would hope that the USMNT’s needs will evolve over the next 12 months, such that fans should continue to identify with them. Let’s hope 2019 is the start of something big for soccer in the United States.