The countdown to the 2026 World Cup, set to unfold on American soil, is ticking away—just about 300 days remain. As excitement builds, the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) finds itself embroiled in a whirlwind of drama. Current and former players are engaging in a public feud that’s unraveling across various platforms—TV, podcasts, and streaming docuseries alike. Recently, Tim Weah, a rising star on the team, stepped into the fray, defending himself and teammate Christian Pulisic against criticism from former USMNT icons.
In the latest episode of a show featuring Pulisic on Paramount+, Weah didn’t hold back. He responded to detractors who have scorned players like him and Pulisic for opting out of the 2025 Gold Cup. “Those guys are chasing checks, and for me, I just feel like they’re really evil, honestly, because they’ve been players, and they know what it’s like when you’re getting bashed,” Weah asserted. He highlighted the complexity of the situation, especially given that Pulisic, juggling the demands of both club and country, found himself worn down and unable to participate.
While some critics were not explicitly named, the shadow of USMNT legends such as Landon Donovan and Tim Howard looms large. Co-hosts of the “Unfiltered Soccer” podcast, they’ve been vocal in their disappointment over players skipping this important tournament—the inaugural event under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, and a crucial opportunity for the team to gel before the World Cup.
Weah’s defense was largely aimed at shielding Pulisic from backlash. While Pulisic cited burnout from his relentless schedule as his reason for missing the tournament—unfortunate considering the team lost to Mexico 2-1 in the final—Weah was in a peculiar position. His club, Juventus in Italy, had their own commitments, which kept him from playing.
With the USMNT automatically qualifying for the 2026 World Cup as hosts, the upcoming months will see the team engage in a series of friendly matches rather than competitive fixtures. This means that Pochettino, Weah, Pulisic, and their teammates must forge chemistry in a less pressurized environment—a daunting task without competitive stakes to drive them.
This isn’t the first time that internal strife has plagued the men’s team as they head into a World Cup. Looking back to 1998, a contentious relationship between players and manager Steve Sampson led to the surprise omission of former captain John Harkes from the roster. That controversial decision stemmed from an alleged affair involving teammates, casting a shadow over the team dynamics. The fallout? An abysmal showing in France where the USMNT finished last in their group, overshadowed by losses to Germany, Iran, and Yugoslavia.
As the clock ticks down to the 2026 World Cup, fans and players alike are left to wonder: will the USMNT regain cohesion and create a united front to make this a memorable tournament for American soccer? The stakes are high, and one can only hope that they can sort through their differences and come together for the sake of the badge.
Image Source: Timothy Weah @ Instagram
