Has the US ever won a World Cup? originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Ever since FIFA began the World Cup tradition in 1930, nations around the globe have been able to show their prowess in the sport, including the United States. And though other countries have more world titles under their belt, there is no doubt that the U.S. men’s national team has made its mark.
With its first World Cup match coming on Nov. 21, here’s a little bit more about the U.S. men’s national soccer team and its presence in tournaments like the World Cup:
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Has the U.S. men’s national soccer team ever won a World Cup?
Believe it or not, the U.S. men’s national soccer team has never won a World Cup. The team has never even advanced to the final.
How many World Cups have the USMNT taken part in?
The U.S. men’s national team has played in 10 of the 21 World Cups. The team failed to qualify for every World Cup between the years 1950 and 1990.
The 1994 World Cup, hosted by the U.S., was the first time since the inaugural 1930 World Cup that the USMNT advanced past the group stage.
Despite failing to qualify in 2018, the U.S. advanced to the round of 16 in 2010 and 2014.
The USMNT is guaranteed a spot in 2026 since it will be one of the three host countries alongside Canada and Mexico.
What were some of the best performances played by the U.S. men’s national team?
The U.S. men’s national team played best at the inaugural 1930 World Cup, when the team advanced to the semifinals and finished third behind Argentina and Uruguay.
Since then, the team’s best performance was in 2002, when it advanced to the quarterfinals.
What does this year look like for the USMNT?
The USMNT has qualified for the World Cup this year, returning to the tournament for the first time since 2014. Following the 2022 World Cup draw, the USA has been placed in Group B alongside England, Iran and Wales.
With several players to keep an eye on this season including Christian Pulisic, the USMNT is expected to advance past the Group Stage.
The USMNT’s first match is slated for Monday, Nov. 21 against Wales, followed by England on Friday, Nov. 25 and Iran on Tuesday, Nov. 29. All kick-off times are slated for 2 p.m. ET.