The United States men’s soccer team missed the World Cup miracle in 2026, but the plan for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is already set. U.S. Soccer COO Dan Helfrich believes winning gold at home is “very realistic.” This is not just hope; it is a specific strategy to use the Olympics to build a stronger team for the next World Cup.
After the World Cup created 10 million new supporters, the federation is moving fast. They signed coach Mauricio Pochettino to a four-year deal, according to Fox Sports. They also brought in Steve Cherundolo to lead the Olympic squad. Helfrich sees the 2028 Games as a chance to show the country what the sport can do. He told reporters that the recent summer proved how much people love the game.
A Different Game Than The World Cup
Many fans think the Olympics are the same as the World Cup, but they are not. The Olympics are mostly for players under 23, with only three older players allowed on the roster. This gives the U.S. a real chance to win. Only eight nations have ever won the World Cup in a century. But mid-sized teams like Mexico have won the Olympic gold before, such as in London in 2012.
The tournament in Los Angeles will have only 12 teams. If the U.S. wins its group, they need just one more win to reach the medal round. Imagine 90,000 fans at the Rose Bowl cheering for both the men and women. That kind of crowd can push the team to do something special. Helfrich knows this is a unique window to build momentum for the future.
The Right Man To Lead The Charge
Steve Cherundolo is the man to make this happen. He won the MLS Cup with LAFC in 2022 and knows the local scene. Helfrich praised his hiring, noting that Pochettino has “an astute understanding of culture, history, and sport, both in soccer and more broadly.” Pochettino also understands the weight of the event. Helfrich stated, “He understands what the Olympic Games mean to the United States.”
Cherundolo will face a hard task. He must convince European clubs to let their players go for the games. The Olympics do not have the same automatic release rules as the World Cup. If he can get the best young stars, the U.S. team could be very strong. The federation is betting that these young players will be ready to step up when the lights are brightest.
The goal is clear: get a medal in 2028 and carry that success into the 2031 Women’s World Cup and beyond. Helfrich wants to recapture the joy of the summer of 2026. He sees the path forward as connecting the 2026 World Cup, the 2028 Olympics, and future tournaments.
