The scoreboard doesn't always tell the truth. If you looked at the united states soccer scores from early 2025, you might’ve thought the sky was falling. Mauricio Pochettino’s era started with a thud—losses to Panama and Canada in the Nations League that felt like a bad hangover from the previous cycle. But honestly, soccer is about the "long game," and the back half of last year proved that something is finally clicking.
We’re sitting here in January 2026, and the vibe has shifted. The USMNT isn't just winning; they're dismantling serious teams. That 5-1 rout of Uruguay in Tampa back in November? That wasn't a fluke. It was the largest margin of victory the U.S. has ever had against a South American opponent. Ever.
The Momentum Behind Recent United States Soccer Scores
It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of friendlies and tournament stages. However, looking at the recent trajectory, the U.S. Men’s National Team ended 2025 on a five-match unbeaten run. They finished the year with an 8W-2L-2D record over their final 12 games.
That’s a massive turnaround from the shaky start Pochettino had.
What’s more interesting than the wins is who is doing the scoring. We used to rely solely on Christian Pulisic to carry the load. Now? We saw 17 different goal scorers in 2025. Diego Luna found the net five times, and Patrick Agyemang followed close behind with four. It feels like the "Pulisic-dependency" is finally starting to fade.
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Breaking Down the Big Wins
Let's talk about the results that actually shifted the narrative. In September, the U.S. beat 17th-ranked Japan 2-0. That win ended Japan’s 13-match unbeaten run. It also broke a frustrating seven-game winless streak the U.S. had against top-25 opponents.
Then came the Australia match in October. The Socceroos were on a 12-match tear, but the U.S. ground out a 2-1 comeback win in Colorado. These aren't just scores on a sheet; they're proof of a mental toughness that’s been missing for a long time.
What’s Next: The 2026 Schedule
We are officially less than 150 days from the World Cup. The schedule for the next few months is basically a high-stakes rehearsal. U.S. Soccer did away with the traditional January camp for the men, moving it to December, so the next time we see the USMNT in action will be March.
They’ve got two massive friendlies lined up in Atlanta:
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- March 28: USA vs. Belgium
- March 31: USA vs. Portugal
These matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium are going to be the ultimate litmus test. If you’re tracking united states soccer scores to see if this team is "World Cup ready," these are the dates to circle. Following that, there’s a "Send-Off" match against Germany in Chicago on June 6, just days before the tournament kicks off.
The Women’s Side: Still Dominant, Still Evolving
While the men are prepping for their home World Cup, the USWNT is already in mid-season form. Emma Hayes has been a revelation. The women finished 2025 with a 12W-0D-3L record, capped off by a 2-0 win over Italy in December.
They aren't resting, either. They have a double-header this month in California:
- January 24: USA vs. Paraguay (Carson, CA)
- January 27: USA vs. Chile (Santa Barbara, CA)
Watching the USWNT right now feels like watching a lab experiment in elite coaching. Hayes is integrating youth at a staggering rate. Lily Yohannes, at just 18, is already providing world-class assists for Catarina Macario. The scores reflect a team that is comfortably the best in the world again, even if Spain currently holds the top FIFA ranking.
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Realities of the 2026 World Cup Group
The draw is out, and the path for the U.S. is... well, it’s complicated. They open against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles. Then they head to Seattle for a clash with Australia on June 19.
People think Group D is "easy." It’s not.
Paraguay is a defensive nightmare to play against, and we’ve seen the U.S. struggle to break down low blocks. Australia is physical and won’t be intimidated by the home crowd. The third opponent is still a TBD (likely coming out of the European playoffs), but whether it's Romania or Turkey, it won’t be a walkover.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following the team this year, don't just look at the final score. Look at the "Expected Goals" (xG) and how the midfield handles pressure.
- Watch the Midfield Transition: In 2025, the U.S. became much better at winning the ball in the middle third. If they can’t do that against Belgium or Portugal in March, the World Cup will be a short trip.
- Track the Youth: Keep an eye on players like Chris Richards (voted 2025 Male Player of the Year) and younger guys like Max Arfsten. Their development is the ceiling of this team.
- Set Your Alerts: Use the official U.S. Soccer app or follow reliable beat reporters like Paul Tenorio or Meg Linehan for real-time updates. The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest sporting event in U.S. history—don't wait until June to start paying attention.
To stay ahead of the curve, focus on the March friendlies. Those results will dictate the starting lineup for the World Cup opener in L.A. If the U.S. can take four points from Belgium and Portugal, you can officially start the "World Cup fever" early.