The 2026 World Cup is a pivotal moment for soccer in the United States, with stakeholders demanding a deep tournament run and lasting legacy.

THE United States can no longer hide behind low expectations as it prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

That is the clear message from figures across the sport, who say the time for excuses is over and a significant on-field performance is now mandatory.

“We can no longer have low expectations,” said former US defender and 1994 World Cup icon Alexi Lalas, now a prominent TV commentator. “Anything less than the round of 16 is ultimately a failure.”

The national team’s next step comes in a friendly against Belgium on Saturday. The sport’s landscape has transformed since the US last hosted the tournament in 1994, an event credited with sparking initial mainstream interest.

Major League Soccer, created as a condition of hosting in 1994, now boasts global stars like Lionel Messi and surpasses baseball in popularity according to recent data.

“It’s actually the third most popular sport in the US — it beats baseball,” said Bettina Garibaldi of the FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey Host Committee.

The fanbase has also expanded dramatically, with a deep engagement in global club soccer. “There are already 100 million people interested in soccer in the United States,” said Nuria Tarre, Chief Marketing Officer at Manchester City.

The 1999 Women’s World Cup victory further cemented the sport’s potential to capture the national imagination. However, former US striker Jozy Altidore highlighted a crucial gap that remains in player development compared to elite European academies.

“Academies abroad are by far more robust,” Altidore said. “It’s almost like a factory — Messi leaves Barcelona, here comes (Lamine) Yamal. It’s not an accident.”

He argued that building a similar pipeline requires creating challenging environments for young players and significant grassroots investment beyond just facilities. Broadcaster and former midfielder Stu Holden agrees expectations have rightly risen.

“We’ve invested so much more in the game, and our expectations should not be that of the past,” Holden stated. Two-time World Cup winner Carli Lloyd framed success beyond just results.

“The measure of success with this team… is going to be how much they inspire the country,” Lloyd said. “That is the power that they have — and that is in their control.”

 The Sun Malaysia