What Happened
On June 10, 2025, the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) faced a disappointing defeat against Switzerland, losing 4-0 in a friendly match held at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee. This loss marked the USMNT’s fourth consecutive defeat, a streak not seen since 2007, and raised concerns about the team’s preparedness for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States. The Swiss team scored all four of its goals in the first half, with Dan Ndoye, Michel Aebischer, Breel Embolo, and Johan Manzambi finding the net.
The match was characterized by a lack of offensive production from the USMNT, which failed to register a single shot on target throughout the game. This performance has been described as particularly alarming given the team’s recent struggles against European opponents, extending their winless streak against such teams to eight matches since 2021. The USMNT’s head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, made significant changes to the lineup, but the results remained disappointing, prompting criticism from fans and analysts alike.
Key Details
- Match Result: Switzerland 4, USA 0
- Goals:
- Dan Ndoye (13’)
- Michel Aebischer (23’)
- Breel Embolo (33’)
- Johan Manzambi (36’)
- USMNT Performance:
- Shots on target: 0
- Total shots: 7
- Expected goals (xG): 0.42
- Historical Context:
- This defeat marks the first time the USMNT has lost four consecutive matches since 2007.
- The last time the USMNT conceded four goals in the first half at home was in 1980.
- Lineup Changes: Pochettino made nine changes from the previous match against Turkey, retaining only two players. Notably, several key players, including Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie, were absent due to various reasons, including rest and club commitments.
- Debuts: Sebastian Berhalter, son of former coach Gregg Berhalter, made his debut, and brothers Brenden and Paxten Aaronson became the fourth set of brothers to start for the USMNT.
Multiple Perspectives
The USMNT’s performance has drawn mixed reactions. Some analysts argue that the loss should not be viewed in isolation, suggesting that the team can rebound as they did prior to the 2022 World Cup, where they had a strong performance against Morocco. Defender Walker Zimmerman emphasized the need for resilience, stating, “It’s really easy to look at one game, one half and be like, oh, this is all going to pieces; they can’t come back from this.”
Conversely, critics highlight the alarming trend of the USMNT’s inability to compete effectively against European teams, raising questions about the depth and quality of the player pool. The team’s lack of shots on target and defensive errors during the match against Switzerland have intensified scrutiny of Pochettino’s coaching and the players’ readiness for the Gold Cup and World Cup.
Context & Background
The USMNT’s struggles come at a critical time as the team prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Historically, the USMNT has had mixed results in international competitions, and the recent string of losses has raised concerns about their competitiveness on the world stage. The upcoming Concacaf Gold Cup, where the USMNT has a strong historical record, is seen as an opportunity for the team to regain momentum and confidence.
The match against Switzerland was intended as a final warm-up before the Gold Cup opener against Trinidad and Tobago. However, the heavy defeat has left fans and analysts questioning whether the team can turn their fortunes around in time for the tournament. The USMNT’s recent coaching changes, including the hiring of Mauricio Pochettino, have not yet yielded the desired results, leading to increased pressure on the coaching staff and players.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As the USMNT heads into the Gold Cup, several uncertainties remain. It is unclear how the absence of key players, such as Pulisic and McKennie, will impact the team’s performance moving forward. Additionally, the long-term effects of this defeat on team morale and cohesion are yet to be seen. While Pochettino has expressed confidence in the fans’ continued support, the team’s ability to bounce back from this loss will be crucial in determining their success in the upcoming tournament.
Furthermore, questions about the effectiveness of the current player pool and coaching strategies linger, particularly in light of the team’s struggles against European opponents. The upcoming matches will serve as critical tests for the USMNT, as they seek to regain their footing and build momentum ahead of the World Cup.
