What’s next for the USMNT following the 2026 World Cup?
This report focuses on the immediate future of the U.S. men’s national soccer team schedule, specifically the upcoming competitions for the USMNT and the roadmap leading toward the 2030 World Cup in Portugal, Spain, and Morocco.
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The program also faces the prospect of the home Olympics in Los Angeles. This U-23 competition, led by program legend Steve Cherundolo, will likely attract high-profile talent to fill the three available overage roster spots.
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The upcoming cycle differs significantly from the previous one, as the USMNT previously did not have to qualify for the World Cup and FIFA has since adjusted the international calendar.
When are the next international games for the USA men’s soccer team in 2026 and 2027?
The U.S. team will participate in an expanded international break from September 21 to October 6. During this period, the team will play four matches. These games will occur outside of the fifth edition of the CONCACAF Nations League. While a group stage draw is scheduled for July 23, the U.S. will likely receive a bye to the November quarterfinals.
The Americans currently compete in League A alongside Canada, Costa Rica, Curacao, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.
The November international break will feature home-and-away matches against a group stage qualifier. Success in these games secures a spot in the semifinals and the final or third-place match, scheduled for March 25-28, 2027. Following these matches, the team will play two friendlies between June 7 and June 15 to prepare for the Gold Cup.
Will the USA compete at both Copa America 2028 and the LA Olympics?
Reports suggest the United States received the rights to host the 2028 Copa America as part of an agreement involving the 2024 tournament. If this holds true, the team must manage its talent across two major summer tournaments held on home soil.
The U.S. men qualify automatically as hosts for the 2028 Olympics. That tournament, which utilizes a U-23 roster plus three overage players, takes place from July 10-29. Although official dates for the 2028 Copa America remain unconfirmed, historical precedents suggest a mid-June to mid-July window.
How does the USMNT qualify for the 2030 World Cup?
Questions remain regarding the structure of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying for 2030, as three additional teams—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—have rejoined the pool after bypassing the process as 2026 hosts.
Qualification for the United States should begin sometime in 2028. For reference, the automatic berths for the 2026 World Cup were determined over approximately 20 months between March 2024 and November 2025. Conversely, the 2022 qualifying cycle lasted just over a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the 2018 cycle involved a 23-month process that began in the fourth round.