Warning for USMNT: Defeat to Korea Exposes Serious Problems Ahead of 2026 World Cup

⚡ Son punishes U.S. mistakes

In front of almost 26,500 fans at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey — most cheering for South Korea — the USMNT fell to a clear 2–0 defeat. Captain Son Heung-Min, now with LAFC, opened the scoring in the 18th minute with his 52nd international goal, edging closer to Cha Bum-Kun’s legendary tally.

Just before halftime, it got worse. Son broke through again, drawing goalkeeper Matt Freese out. As he went down, Lee Dong-Gyeong flicked the ball with his heel into the empty net for 2–0.

🚨 Questions for Pochettino

This is the second time in 2025 that Mauricio Pochettino’s U.S. side has lost back-to-back games. Against top-25 nations, the Americans are now winless in seven, losing six, with a miserable 11–2 first-half goal differential.

Even with the return of Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah, and Sergiño Dest, the U.S. looked fragile. Veteran Tim Ream (37) and debutant Tristan Blackmon struggled to contain Korea’s attack.

📉 Injuries, droughts, and pressure

To make matters worse, Timothy Weah left the game injured. In attack, Josh Sargent extended his goalless streak to 17 international matches dating back to 2019. Returning striker Folarin Balogun came closest late on, but couldn’t break through.

📌 What’s next?

With just nine months before the 2026 World Cup opener in Los Angeles, questions are growing louder: does the USMNT have a real identity, or is it relying only on individual talent?

The next test comes quickly: Japan in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday. Pochettino needs answers fast, or the hosts of the World Cup may lose momentum before the tournament even begins.