AUSTIN — Gregg Berhalter has 2½ years to prepare the U.S. men’s national soccer team for the World Cup. He does not have to worry about qualifying; the United States and the other 2026 tournament hosts, Mexico and Canada, receive automatic berths.
Along the way, though, there are steppingstones of consequence, when the U.S. team will need to defeat lesser opponents and show well against traditionally stronger foes. Amid swelling expectations, any signs of regression could shake the U.S. Soccer Federation’s trust in its second-term head coach and his plans.
After returning to the helm for four autumn friendlies, Berhalter will face his first material test in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinals against Trinidad and Tobago.