Can the USMNT Overcome the Global Stigma Surrounding American Soccer at this World Cup?
Eric Wynalda had ultimately reached his breaking point, a moment of extreme frustration that would change the dynamics of his situation.
The year in question was 1992, and it was during this time that virtually everyone associated with the then-Bundesliga side FC Saarbrucken, including his own teammates, had consistently subjected Wynalda to derogatory taunts, specifically referring to him as "scheiss Ami," which translates to "s--- American" in German. After enduring this verbal abuse for a period of six weeks, Wynalda decided that he had had enough and chose to take a proactive approach to address the situation.
According to Wynalda, the culmination of his frustration led to a physical confrontation, as he recounted to ESPN, "It resulted in me finally having enough and throwing one of my teammates to the ground, at which point I explicitly warned him that if he were to call me that derogatory term one more time, he would suffer the consequences, specifically implying that he would end up needing to visit the dentist." Following this incident, his teammates collectively backed off, and as Wynalda noted, they said,
The question remains as to whether the treatment Wynalda received was merely simple banter or if it reflected the stigma that American players have often encountered when attempting to compete at the highest levels of soccer abroad.
It is likely that the truth lies somewhere in between, as the treatment Wynalda experienced, although falling at the extreme end of the spectrum, was not an isolated incident, and many Americans who made their initial forays into European soccer did indeed endure similar treatment, whether it came from teammates, coaches, fans, or the media.
According to former Hannover 96 and U.S. men's national team defender Steve Cherundolo, upon his arrival at the German club in 1999, he was treated with equality by the players and staff, but he did observe a notable difference in the way he was perceived by the media.
This phenomenon was especially noticeable in the dreaded player ratings, particularly when he was playing in a more defensive capacity from his position as an outside back.
The impact of this perception was something that Cherundolo experienced consistently, as he revealed to ESPN, stating, "I don't think there was ever a period where I didn't" experience that stigma, a notable observation coming from a man who had earned the nickname "The Mayor of Hannover" and accumulated over 400 appearances for the club.
A similar sentiment was expressed by USMNT great Landon Donovan, who reflected on his time at Bayer Leverkusen, the club that signed him in 1999, and the challenges he faced during that period.
According to Donovan, the situation was not a personal attack on him or any other individual, but rather a reflection of the environment at the time, in which "you didn't have to be as good as the player you were competing with, you didn't even have to be a little better, you had to be significantly better," as he pointed out in a statement highlighting the high standards that players were held to.
When competing against individuals from other countries, such as a Turkish athlete or a Brazilian competitor or a German opponent, it was necessary to possess significantly superior skills, as they generally held the preconceived notion that Americans lacked the ability to play soccer effectively.
The notion that a stigma exists is not universally accepted by everyone. Gregg Berhalter, the current manager of the Chicago Fire, who previously managed the U.S. national team from 2018 to 2024, had the opportunity to play in Europe, specifically in the Netherlands, England, and Germany, which provided him with a unique perspective on this issue. In his view, the problem was not so much a stigma, but rather a lack of knowledge and awareness that Americans participated in the sport of soccer.
According to Berhalter, the experience of American soccer players in Europe was shaped by the fact that they were not well-known, with a few exceptions, such as the period immediately following the 1994 World Cup, when athletes like Alexi Lalas and Tony Meola gained recognition. "We had just come off the 1994 World Cup, which meant that everyone was familiar with players like Alexi
However, it was not as if fans or coaches genuinely harbored any negative feelings towards you due to this circumstance.
Historically, there existed some valid reasons for the skepticism that surrounded American players, given the state of the sport in the country. The sport of soccer in the United States has experienced some extremely challenging and lean periods, particularly in the past. For significant portions of the 20th century, soccer in the U.S. barely managed to exist at a level that could be considered semiprofessional. The United States endured a prolonged 40-year period during which the country did not make an appearance at the World Cup. Additionally, between the years 1985 and 1995, the U.S. lacked a domestic league that would be regarded as topflight.
Even after the establishment of Major League Soccer, or MLS, in 1996, despite the achievements of the U.S. men's national team, which include winning seven Concacaf Gold Cups and reaching the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup, the United States has never come close to achieving the ultimate goal of winning a World Cup. The furthest the U.S. men
The progression of the United States in that tournament has been notable during the modern era. Consequently, it fell to players such as Wynalda, Kasey Keller, Brian McBride, and Clint Dempsey to pave the way, deliver strong performances on the field, and gradually enhance the reputation of American players over time.
The achievement of solid performances at World Cups, including the U.S. team reaching at least the second round in the 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2022 tournaments, has contributed to further improving that perception. However, other players worked tirelessly in relative obscurity, with their presence contributing to incremental, yet still significant, advancements in the sport.
Wynalda commented on the often-overlooked talent of a former teammate, stating, "People forget how good Tony Sanneh was, they just do." He added, "So, I mean, I think all those guys, I salute all of them, acknowledging the important role they played in the development of American soccer.
It was previously the one aspect that people could point to and say about America, 'You may excel in numerous areas, but you are not skilled at this particular game, as this game belongs to us.' However, the situation has now changed, and we have ultimately demonstrated that we merit being included in the discussion about our abilities in this game.
To stay informed about the latest developments, download the ESPN app and activate the news alerts from Jeff Carlisle to receive instant push notifications with the most recent updates as soon as they become available. To opt in, simply tap the alerts bell located in the top right corner of the screen. For additional information on this process, click on the provided link to access more details.
The current crop of American players who are competing overseas has led to an unprecedented level of recognition for American players, with their assessment being more positive than ever before. Notable players, such as Christian Pulisic, an attacker for AC Milan, and Weston McKennie, a midfielder for Juventus, have successfully established themselves while playing for prominent European clubs, thereby proving their capabilities and justifying the heightened evaluation of American players.
The Premier League features a multitude of steady performers, including the likes of Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, AFC Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, and Leeds United attacker Brenden Aaronson, who have all been making significant contributions to their respective teams.
However, the stigma surrounding American players has proven to be a challenging obstacle to overcome, and it still persists to some extent. When engaging in conversations with current players on the U.S. team, it becomes apparent that they believe a certain level of judgment and skepticism regarding American players continues to exist, although the intensity of this skepticism has decreased somewhat over time. Nevertheless, these players are choosing not to adopt a victim mentality and instead assert that they are being judged fairly based on their individual contributions to their teams. The players are driven by an unwavering belief that their inherent quality will ultimately enable them to rise to the top of their profession.
In a recent conversation with ESPN at a promotional event for Degree, Pulisic reflected on his own experiences, stating, "Maybe I had some thoughts at the beginning that some teammates don't view me the same because I'm American in the youth teams at Dortmund," which highlights the lingering
It is possible that I had some of those thoughts at some point, but to be honest, I am not entirely sure - I have always been of the belief and I consistently reminded myself that if a player is truly good enough, the coach will inevitably decide to put the most skilled players on the field, and that mindset has always guided my approach.
I have always taken the mentality that the coach's primary goal is to field the best possible team, and as a result, I have never really doubted that the most talented players would be given the opportunity to play.
Is there a slight perception of stigma associated with this issue, perhaps there was at some point, but I think it is definitely improving due to the impressive amount of talented players that we are currently producing.
For Toulouse FC defender Mark McKenzie, the notion of stigma is more inclined towards good-natured joking, which is an area where he is more than capable of holding his own and responding in kind.
Lately, the conversations that Mark McKenzie has been having have taken some unexpected and unusual turns.
Mark McKenzie explained to ESPN that when interacting with his teammates, they frequently engage in back
When you come over here, you often engage in discussions about alternative approaches, saying things like, "Why don't you do it this way?" or "The facility's not comparable to what we have back in the States." For my part, I make a conscious effort to avoid getting drawn into these debates, as I believe they are inherently subjective and largely influenced by one's upbringing and personal experiences.
The current topic of discussion is long throw-ins, and I have apparently become the subject of criticism for my approach to the game, with some of my teammates jokingly accusing me of having ruined the game with my American-style philosophy of using my hands to throw the ball as far as possible. As a result, I've been hearing comments like, "Oh, you've destroyed the game now," followed by a flurry of other negative remarks, which have become the latest point of contention.
Herculez Gomez and Cristina Alexander host a debate on the most significant storylines in soccer and provide an in-depth analysis of the best highlights that the sport has to offer in the Americas, all of which can be streamed on ESPN+ for viewers in the U.S.
International and longtime Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who has also gained experience as a club executive with prominent teams such as Besiktas in Turkey, is of the opinion that the stigma associated with American players has become more subtle over time. For the majority of American players, there is no longer a strongly negative connotation attached to them, but at the same time, they are not generally perceived as having the capability to be the top player on a team.
According to Brad Friedel, the perception of American players among decision-makers at European clubs is that they typically come with certain advantages, including lower initial salaries, which is a true reflection of the current market. Additionally, Friedel noted that the transfer fees for American players could potentially be lower at first, which is also a true statement, and this is a factor that is taken into consideration by European clubs when evaluating potential signings.
Additionally, they are likely to acquire a genuinely honest and skilled professional who will have a strong possibility of consistently starting in the first eleven, but may not necessarily be the primary factor in their victory in every single game.
Christian Pulisic is likely the sole exception to this assertion, considering he garnered a substantial transfer fee of $73 million when he made the move to Chelsea in 2019. However, until another player manages to attain that level of achievement, this particular aspect of how American players are perceived is unlikely to undergo a change.
Despite the significant progress that has been made, both in terms of on-field performance and in gaining the support of fans, there is still a considerable distance to be covered, with the existing stigma continuing to surface in unexpected ways at odd moments.
Current Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream, who spent over a decade playing in England for Bolton Wanderers and Fulham FC, acknowledges that he gained valuable experience and benefited from playing for two clubs that had a history of having American players on their rosters.
According to him, throughout his career, he never had the experience of encountering a manager who held him in lower regard or had a biased opinion of him due to his American background. However, on certain occasions, the perception of U.S. players among some of his teammates seemed to be influenced by outdated stereotypes that reflected a bygone era.
As he recalled, "Yeah, you would hear it, and it was not uncommon for someone to say, 'Oh, really, you're American, do you actually know football?' And you're like, 'Well, I'm playing in the same team that you are, so you tell me who knows and who doesn't know, because we're essentially in the same situation here, working together as teammates.'" He further elaborated, "So there was a little bit of that, and it was something that I had to deal with at times, but I tried to
However, it is worth noting that nothing has the power to alter perceptions quite like a World Cup, particularly when it features iconic moments or a notable performance against one of the teams that are heavily favored to win. This was precisely the experience that Ream had after the U.S. team tied with England 0-0 at the 2022 World Cup, a match that could have easily resulted in a victory for the Americans on a different day. For some of his teammates at the club level, this realization was almost like a moment of sudden understanding or awareness.
As Ream recalled, when they returned from the World Cup, his teammates were astonished, with some of them saying, "Holy s---," and expressing their admiration by stating, "You guys are a really good team, a very good team," which further emphasized the significance of the U.S. team's performance. Ream also stated, "I think that's when it clicked for a lot of people," indicating that this moment marked a turning point in how others perceived the team.
The upcoming World Cup presents another opportunity to change perceptions and potentially inspire a new generation of players, as well as the
The United States is still perceived as outsiders in the world of soccer, but the fact that they are one of the three host countries has significantly increased the stakes of what can be accomplished in both the short term and the long term.
According to Adams, the situation is much more complex than just focusing on their own team and performance, as he emphasized that it is about determining how the next young player who looks up to them can be motivated and inspired to choose soccer over other sports such as basketball or football, and for him, this represents a huge opportunity.
Ream believes that any progress that is made needs to be evaluated with a longer time frame in mind, pointing out that the quarterfinal run at the 2002 World Cup was successful in grabbing people's attention, but as Ream notes, the U.S. program has been experiencing a period of gradual and slow development since that time, which he describes as being on "a little bit of a slow burn".
The U.S. men's national team is still awaiting its next major breakthrough, which is expected to elevate the team's status and performance in the world of soccer.
There have been several humbling experiences as well, including the disappointing failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, which was a significant setback. Achieving a deep run in the tournament, building upon the impressive round of 16 performance in 2022, would be essential in demonstrating more consistency and stability in the team's overall performance.
According to Ream, "If you can maintain a national team, focus on the development of the players within that team, and have them play for prominent clubs around the world, which is the case for many of our players, then you can start to alter the existing perception of the team." He further emphasized that "now that people are starting to think, 'OK, they do produce skilled players, they do produce players who can compete with other top-notch players from around the world, including those from traditional powerhouses like Brazil, France, and England,' it is crucial to sustain this level of performance and development." However, he cautioned that "you cannot just be a brief, fleeting success, a flash in the pan," and instead, the team must strive to achieve long-term consistency and success.
If the United States
It is possible to discover that significant moment, as well as consistency, and as a result, perceptions could potentially increase, and the last remaining remnants of any stigma might ultimately begin to gradually subside.
The year in question was 1992, and it was during this time that virtually everyone associated with the then-Bundesliga side FC Saarbrucken, including his own teammates, had consistently subjected Wynalda to derogatory taunts, specifically referring to him as "scheiss Ami," which translates to "s--- American" in German. After enduring this verbal abuse for a period of six weeks, Wynalda decided that he had had enough and chose to take a proactive approach to address the situation.
According to Wynalda, the culmination of his frustration led to a physical confrontation, as he recounted to ESPN, "It resulted in me finally having enough and throwing one of my teammates to the ground, at which point I explicitly warned him that if he were to call me that derogatory term one more time, he would suffer the consequences, specifically implying that he would end up needing to visit the dentist." Following this incident, his teammates collectively backed off, and as Wynalda noted, they said,
The question remains as to whether the treatment Wynalda received was merely simple banter or if it reflected the stigma that American players have often encountered when attempting to compete at the highest levels of soccer abroad.
It is likely that the truth lies somewhere in between, as the treatment Wynalda experienced, although falling at the extreme end of the spectrum, was not an isolated incident, and many Americans who made their initial forays into European soccer did indeed endure similar treatment, whether it came from teammates, coaches, fans, or the media.
According to former Hannover 96 and U.S. men's national team defender Steve Cherundolo, upon his arrival at the German club in 1999, he was treated with equality by the players and staff, but he did observe a notable difference in the way he was perceived by the media.
This phenomenon was especially noticeable in the dreaded player ratings, particularly when he was playing in a more defensive capacity from his position as an outside back.
The impact of this perception was something that Cherundolo experienced consistently, as he revealed to ESPN, stating, "I don't think there was ever a period where I didn't" experience that stigma, a notable observation coming from a man who had earned the nickname "The Mayor of Hannover" and accumulated over 400 appearances for the club.
A similar sentiment was expressed by USMNT great Landon Donovan, who reflected on his time at Bayer Leverkusen, the club that signed him in 1999, and the challenges he faced during that period.
According to Donovan, the situation was not a personal attack on him or any other individual, but rather a reflection of the environment at the time, in which "you didn't have to be as good as the player you were competing with, you didn't even have to be a little better, you had to be significantly better," as he pointed out in a statement highlighting the high standards that players were held to.
When competing against individuals from other countries, such as a Turkish athlete or a Brazilian competitor or a German opponent, it was necessary to possess significantly superior skills, as they generally held the preconceived notion that Americans lacked the ability to play soccer effectively.
The notion that a stigma exists is not universally accepted by everyone. Gregg Berhalter, the current manager of the Chicago Fire, who previously managed the U.S. national team from 2018 to 2024, had the opportunity to play in Europe, specifically in the Netherlands, England, and Germany, which provided him with a unique perspective on this issue. In his view, the problem was not so much a stigma, but rather a lack of knowledge and awareness that Americans participated in the sport of soccer.
According to Berhalter, the experience of American soccer players in Europe was shaped by the fact that they were not well-known, with a few exceptions, such as the period immediately following the 1994 World Cup, when athletes like Alexi Lalas and Tony Meola gained recognition. "We had just come off the 1994 World Cup, which meant that everyone was familiar with players like Alexi
However, it was not as if fans or coaches genuinely harbored any negative feelings towards you due to this circumstance.
Historically, there existed some valid reasons for the skepticism that surrounded American players, given the state of the sport in the country. The sport of soccer in the United States has experienced some extremely challenging and lean periods, particularly in the past. For significant portions of the 20th century, soccer in the U.S. barely managed to exist at a level that could be considered semiprofessional. The United States endured a prolonged 40-year period during which the country did not make an appearance at the World Cup. Additionally, between the years 1985 and 1995, the U.S. lacked a domestic league that would be regarded as topflight.
Even after the establishment of Major League Soccer, or MLS, in 1996, despite the achievements of the U.S. men's national team, which include winning seven Concacaf Gold Cups and reaching the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup, the United States has never come close to achieving the ultimate goal of winning a World Cup. The furthest the U.S. men
The progression of the United States in that tournament has been notable during the modern era. Consequently, it fell to players such as Wynalda, Kasey Keller, Brian McBride, and Clint Dempsey to pave the way, deliver strong performances on the field, and gradually enhance the reputation of American players over time.
The achievement of solid performances at World Cups, including the U.S. team reaching at least the second round in the 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2022 tournaments, has contributed to further improving that perception. However, other players worked tirelessly in relative obscurity, with their presence contributing to incremental, yet still significant, advancements in the sport.
Wynalda commented on the often-overlooked talent of a former teammate, stating, "People forget how good Tony Sanneh was, they just do." He added, "So, I mean, I think all those guys, I salute all of them, acknowledging the important role they played in the development of American soccer.
It was previously the one aspect that people could point to and say about America, 'You may excel in numerous areas, but you are not skilled at this particular game, as this game belongs to us.' However, the situation has now changed, and we have ultimately demonstrated that we merit being included in the discussion about our abilities in this game.
To stay informed about the latest developments, download the ESPN app and activate the news alerts from Jeff Carlisle to receive instant push notifications with the most recent updates as soon as they become available. To opt in, simply tap the alerts bell located in the top right corner of the screen. For additional information on this process, click on the provided link to access more details.
The current crop of American players who are competing overseas has led to an unprecedented level of recognition for American players, with their assessment being more positive than ever before. Notable players, such as Christian Pulisic, an attacker for AC Milan, and Weston McKennie, a midfielder for Juventus, have successfully established themselves while playing for prominent European clubs, thereby proving their capabilities and justifying the heightened evaluation of American players.
The Premier League features a multitude of steady performers, including the likes of Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards, AFC Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams, and Leeds United attacker Brenden Aaronson, who have all been making significant contributions to their respective teams.
However, the stigma surrounding American players has proven to be a challenging obstacle to overcome, and it still persists to some extent. When engaging in conversations with current players on the U.S. team, it becomes apparent that they believe a certain level of judgment and skepticism regarding American players continues to exist, although the intensity of this skepticism has decreased somewhat over time. Nevertheless, these players are choosing not to adopt a victim mentality and instead assert that they are being judged fairly based on their individual contributions to their teams. The players are driven by an unwavering belief that their inherent quality will ultimately enable them to rise to the top of their profession.
In a recent conversation with ESPN at a promotional event for Degree, Pulisic reflected on his own experiences, stating, "Maybe I had some thoughts at the beginning that some teammates don't view me the same because I'm American in the youth teams at Dortmund," which highlights the lingering
It is possible that I had some of those thoughts at some point, but to be honest, I am not entirely sure - I have always been of the belief and I consistently reminded myself that if a player is truly good enough, the coach will inevitably decide to put the most skilled players on the field, and that mindset has always guided my approach.
I have always taken the mentality that the coach's primary goal is to field the best possible team, and as a result, I have never really doubted that the most talented players would be given the opportunity to play.
Is there a slight perception of stigma associated with this issue, perhaps there was at some point, but I think it is definitely improving due to the impressive amount of talented players that we are currently producing.
For Toulouse FC defender Mark McKenzie, the notion of stigma is more inclined towards good-natured joking, which is an area where he is more than capable of holding his own and responding in kind.
Lately, the conversations that Mark McKenzie has been having have taken some unexpected and unusual turns.
Mark McKenzie explained to ESPN that when interacting with his teammates, they frequently engage in back
When you come over here, you often engage in discussions about alternative approaches, saying things like, "Why don't you do it this way?" or "The facility's not comparable to what we have back in the States." For my part, I make a conscious effort to avoid getting drawn into these debates, as I believe they are inherently subjective and largely influenced by one's upbringing and personal experiences.
The current topic of discussion is long throw-ins, and I have apparently become the subject of criticism for my approach to the game, with some of my teammates jokingly accusing me of having ruined the game with my American-style philosophy of using my hands to throw the ball as far as possible. As a result, I've been hearing comments like, "Oh, you've destroyed the game now," followed by a flurry of other negative remarks, which have become the latest point of contention.
Herculez Gomez and Cristina Alexander host a debate on the most significant storylines in soccer and provide an in-depth analysis of the best highlights that the sport has to offer in the Americas, all of which can be streamed on ESPN+ for viewers in the U.S.
International and longtime Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel, who has also gained experience as a club executive with prominent teams such as Besiktas in Turkey, is of the opinion that the stigma associated with American players has become more subtle over time. For the majority of American players, there is no longer a strongly negative connotation attached to them, but at the same time, they are not generally perceived as having the capability to be the top player on a team.
According to Brad Friedel, the perception of American players among decision-makers at European clubs is that they typically come with certain advantages, including lower initial salaries, which is a true reflection of the current market. Additionally, Friedel noted that the transfer fees for American players could potentially be lower at first, which is also a true statement, and this is a factor that is taken into consideration by European clubs when evaluating potential signings.
Additionally, they are likely to acquire a genuinely honest and skilled professional who will have a strong possibility of consistently starting in the first eleven, but may not necessarily be the primary factor in their victory in every single game.
Christian Pulisic is likely the sole exception to this assertion, considering he garnered a substantial transfer fee of $73 million when he made the move to Chelsea in 2019. However, until another player manages to attain that level of achievement, this particular aspect of how American players are perceived is unlikely to undergo a change.
Despite the significant progress that has been made, both in terms of on-field performance and in gaining the support of fans, there is still a considerable distance to be covered, with the existing stigma continuing to surface in unexpected ways at odd moments.
Current Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream, who spent over a decade playing in England for Bolton Wanderers and Fulham FC, acknowledges that he gained valuable experience and benefited from playing for two clubs that had a history of having American players on their rosters.
According to him, throughout his career, he never had the experience of encountering a manager who held him in lower regard or had a biased opinion of him due to his American background. However, on certain occasions, the perception of U.S. players among some of his teammates seemed to be influenced by outdated stereotypes that reflected a bygone era.
As he recalled, "Yeah, you would hear it, and it was not uncommon for someone to say, 'Oh, really, you're American, do you actually know football?' And you're like, 'Well, I'm playing in the same team that you are, so you tell me who knows and who doesn't know, because we're essentially in the same situation here, working together as teammates.'" He further elaborated, "So there was a little bit of that, and it was something that I had to deal with at times, but I tried to
However, it is worth noting that nothing has the power to alter perceptions quite like a World Cup, particularly when it features iconic moments or a notable performance against one of the teams that are heavily favored to win. This was precisely the experience that Ream had after the U.S. team tied with England 0-0 at the 2022 World Cup, a match that could have easily resulted in a victory for the Americans on a different day. For some of his teammates at the club level, this realization was almost like a moment of sudden understanding or awareness.
As Ream recalled, when they returned from the World Cup, his teammates were astonished, with some of them saying, "Holy s---," and expressing their admiration by stating, "You guys are a really good team, a very good team," which further emphasized the significance of the U.S. team's performance. Ream also stated, "I think that's when it clicked for a lot of people," indicating that this moment marked a turning point in how others perceived the team.
The upcoming World Cup presents another opportunity to change perceptions and potentially inspire a new generation of players, as well as the
The United States is still perceived as outsiders in the world of soccer, but the fact that they are one of the three host countries has significantly increased the stakes of what can be accomplished in both the short term and the long term.
According to Adams, the situation is much more complex than just focusing on their own team and performance, as he emphasized that it is about determining how the next young player who looks up to them can be motivated and inspired to choose soccer over other sports such as basketball or football, and for him, this represents a huge opportunity.
Ream believes that any progress that is made needs to be evaluated with a longer time frame in mind, pointing out that the quarterfinal run at the 2002 World Cup was successful in grabbing people's attention, but as Ream notes, the U.S. program has been experiencing a period of gradual and slow development since that time, which he describes as being on "a little bit of a slow burn".
The U.S. men's national team is still awaiting its next major breakthrough, which is expected to elevate the team's status and performance in the world of soccer.
There have been several humbling experiences as well, including the disappointing failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, which was a significant setback. Achieving a deep run in the tournament, building upon the impressive round of 16 performance in 2022, would be essential in demonstrating more consistency and stability in the team's overall performance.
According to Ream, "If you can maintain a national team, focus on the development of the players within that team, and have them play for prominent clubs around the world, which is the case for many of our players, then you can start to alter the existing perception of the team." He further emphasized that "now that people are starting to think, 'OK, they do produce skilled players, they do produce players who can compete with other top-notch players from around the world, including those from traditional powerhouses like Brazil, France, and England,' it is crucial to sustain this level of performance and development." However, he cautioned that "you cannot just be a brief, fleeting success, a flash in the pan," and instead, the team must strive to achieve long-term consistency and success.
If the United States
It is possible to discover that significant moment, as well as consistency, and as a result, perceptions could potentially increase, and the last remaining remnants of any stigma might ultimately begin to gradually subside.
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