Christian Pulisic, USMNT Lose to Portugal As Fans Question World Cup Readiness

Whatever lingering hopes USMNT supporters may have had about making a deep run at the 2026 World Cup were dealt a pretty massive blow during this international break.

The Americans followed up an embarrassing 5-2 loss against Belgium on Saturday with a 2-0 loss against Portugal on Tuesday night.

Portugal controlled 61.5 percent of possession, had the advantage in corners (8-2) and finished with more shots on goal (5-3), though the United States managed more overall shots (12-11). But defensive deficiencies, a failure to capitalize on opportunities created and another experimental lineup once again plagued the Americans.

And frankly, U.S. supporters are growing impatient with the team's lack of consistency during the Mauricio Pochettino era:

Plenty of fault could be found in both of the goals the USMNT allowed.

The first came after a turnover in midfield and poor defense in transition, as a cheeky Bruno Fernandes' back heel was followed by Francisco Trincão's clean finish:

The second goal was far worse, as João Félix was given ages to control a corner routine at the top of the box and find the corner of the next on a half volley:

The Americans had their chances, meanwhile, but simply weren't clinical in the way that Portugal was on Tuesday. And in that regard, the match was a microcosm of the modern USMNT—there is undoubtedly talent, but it can't quite overcome the weaknesses in defense, the consistent turnover across the roster or the lack of grit and mental toughness.

This was meant to be the golden generation for men's soccer in the United States. Perhaps it still will be, but there have been more troubling signs than reasons for optimism ahead of this summer's World Cup.