Nashville, Tennessee — The United States men’s national soccer team struggled significantly in a recent friendly match, falling to Switzerland 4-0. This defeat marked the first time the U.S. has lost four consecutive games since 2007, raising concerns about the team’s readiness for the upcoming World Cup in 2026.

Switzerland established a commanding lead early, scoring four times in the first half. Dan Ndoye netted the opening goal in the 13th minute, followed by strikes from Michel Aebischer, Breel Embolo, and Johan Manzambi. The Americans faced a barrage of shots and defensive lapses that resulted in their worst first-half performance in over 40 years, with fans at Geodis Park expressing their dissatisfaction through loud boos.

The loss extends the U.S. men’s team to an eight-game winless streak against European teams, a troubling statistic that reflects gaps in performance against elite competition. This match was particularly notable as it marked the first time the U.S. conceded four goals at home within the first 40 minutes of play.

With the 2026 World Cup just a year away, the Americans are gearing up for their Concacaf Gold Cup opener against Trinidad and Tobago. Currently, the team stands at 5-5 under coach Mauricio Pochettino, who stepped in after the departure of Gregg Berhalter following last year’s Copa América. Pochettino’s tenure has thus far been marked by a struggle to achieve consistent results.

The absence of key players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tim Weah amplified the challenge for the U.S. squad. Notably, goalkeeper Matt Turner returned to the field for the first time since March, and the Aaronson brothers, Brenden and Paxten, made history as the first set of siblings to start together for the national team since 1979.

Throughout the match, the U.S. defensive line exhibited significant vulnerabilities, with key errors resulting in goals for the Swiss team. A mix-up during a pass led to Manzambi scoring his first international goal, adding to the U.S.’s woes.

Pochettino implemented a substantial shake-up from the previous game against Turkey, making nine changes to the lineup. The adjustments included keeping only a couple of players from the loss in a bid to revitalize the team’s performance.

As the national team prepares for its upcoming matches, the urgent need for improvement is evident. Their work will be critical not only for the Gold Cup but also as they approach the culmination of their preparations for the World Cup co-hosted by the U.S. next year.