GOAL outlines New Year's resolutions for USMNT and USWNT, as U.S. Soccer will have many reasons to believe in 2025
If there was a word to describe 2024 in American soccer, it would be "change." On the men's side, one coach was fired and Mauricio Pochettino came in, ushering in a new era. As for the women, in stepped Emma Hayes and – seemingly in a blink of an eye – all involved had gold medals around their necks. Two new coaches, two different jobs, but both brought plenty of reasons for optimism.
Looking ahead to, the operative word for both programs will be "Believe".
It was the word on the banners at Pochettino's first game. It was the feeling Hayes inspired all summer long. Both the USMNT and USWNT have reason to believe, and 2025 will be about turning that belief into reality.
That's not a one-person job. There are parts to play throughout the organization. And all involved must both have belief and resolve, especially with World Cups on the horizon in 2026 and 2027. GOAL outlines the New Year's resolutions for both the USWNT and USMNT for 2025.
Getty ImagesMauricio Pochettino: Dominate CONCACAF
The buildup to the 2026 World Cup is a bit complicated for the USMNT, but, realistically, the goal for 2025 is straightforward. The challenge: dominate CONCACAF.
Up first is the CONCACAF Nations League in March, with the U.S. facing Panama in the semifinals. The USMNT have traditionally been the class of the tournament, winning three straight, which means that anything less than a trophy at the end will be a disappointment. That was the bare minimum under Gregg Berhalter. For Pochettino? Losing in that tournament would be a failure, even if that standard may seem unfair.
Up next will be the Gold Cup, and it remains to be seen how the USMNT will approach it. Under Berhalter, the Gold Cup was a proving ground for young stars but, with the World Cup looming, can Pochettino afford to play anything other than his A-team? The Club World Cup will be held simultaneously, which means he could be without some regulars. That won't be an excuse, though, for a coach who wants to win everything possible.
Such standards are what Pochettino will be held to. If he's to be the coach that leads the USMNT further than ever at a World Cup, he first has to be the coach that maintains the bar in North America. There are two tournaments to win. Go win them, Mauricio.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportEmma Hayes: Keep up the momentum
The foundation is surely there, and it's been implemented faster than anyone could have expected. Hayes has already led the USWNT back to glory, ranked No. 1 in the world, but can she now build on that?
The pieces are very much in place. The likes of Naomi Girma, Trinity Rodman, Mallory Swanson and Sophia Smith have become superstars. There's a new generation of up-and-comers, too, and they're eager to claim their own place. Mix in veterans such as Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle and you have a USWNT program that has just about everything it needs to continue to dominate.
Even so, the focus has to continue to be the runway to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. This is what Hayes signed up for. The Olympics last summer were a huge bonus, but now the real work is beginning. Hayes will be eager to dig in to it and experiment as she looks to turn over this player pool and make this team even better on the road to the World Cup.
Getty ImagesChristian Pulisic: Embrace 'Captain America'
As Zlatan Ibrahimovic so eloquently said in the recent "PULISIC" documentary, "You Captain America', I don’t give a sh*t what you say, you are."
Unfortunately, that's the reality Pulisic has lived in since making his breakthrough as a teenager. He hasn't always loved it, but he's always lived up to it. But, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, he'll really have to embrace the role, as the lights are only going to get brighter.
He's embracing all of it at Milan, where he's blossoming into a legitimate star. An injury derailed the final month of 2024, but Pulisic had done plenty of proving before that. He's arguably the main man in Milan now and he's unquestionably one of the stars for one of the world's biggest clubs.
For the USMNT, Pulisic continues to set the tone, too. He was fantastic in the post-Copa America friendlies and, even before that, his goal against Bolivia in the tournament was one of few high points to speak of. When wearing the USMNT shirt, Pulisic raises his level, and Pochettino knows that.
The spotlight will get brighter. The upcoming World Cup on U.S. soil will bring all sorts of new off-field opportunities and pressures, and 2025 – with two trophies on the line – will push Pulisic to be more vocal than ever before. The USMNT has their Captain America, but he's still learning how best to wield his shield. The hope is that he'll be ready for it come 2026.
Getty ImagesTriple Espresso: Go get yours
The world knows their names, both individually and as a group. Now, it's time for Triple Espresso to go get the recognition they deserve.
Despite their Olympic successes, Smith, Rodman and Swanson were left off several of the major award lists. Given their achievements, it remains hard to believe. There are some incredible attackers out there, it is true, but this trio is right up there among the very best.
To get that recognition, they'll clearly have to keep proving it. One tournament is not enough – even as impressive as the were in the Paris Games. All three have the potential to be legitimate USWNT legends, but those who came before them have enormous resumes.
For Triple Espresso, 2025 is about continuing to write their own stories. Add more goals to your record. Go win more games. Continue to create moments, individually and together, that make their mark. This group is just getting started, and they still have more work to do.