Why the U.S. men's soccer team has struggled globally and whether a home World Cup can change that

Summary

The article explores why the U.S. men's soccer team has historically underperformed on the global stage despite the country's size, wealth, and athletic infrastructure. It examines structural issues in American soccer development, including the pay-to-play system, lack of a strong domestic league culture, and the sport's position behind other major American sports. With the World Cup set to be hosted on North American soil, the piece questions whether this could finally be the breakthrough moment for U.S. men's soccer, drawing comparisons to the success of the women's national team and analyzing the unique challenges facing the men's program.