The Night US Soccer Died — And How It Came Back

In 2017, the USMNT suffered the most humiliating night in US Soccer history — failing to qualify for the World Cup after a stunning loss to Trinidad & Tobago. Nine years later, they're in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, playing in front of their home crowd. This is the full story of how US Soccer rebuilt from rock bottom. From the identity crisis that followed the qualifying disaster, through years of painful reconstruction, the Copa America 2024 reckoning, and the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino — follow every step of the journey that turned Christian Pulisic and America's golden generation into legitimate World Cup contenders. CHAPTERS: 00:00 - The lowest moment 02:22 - Firings & hirings 03:41 - 2019 Gold Cup 05:34 - USA vs Mexico 07:03 - Beating Mexico again 08:16 - Qualifying 09:20 - World Cup group stage 10:57 - Advancing 11:42 - Knockout round 13:24 - Copa America disaster 14:54 - Time for change 15:38 - Berhalter out 16:04 - Pochettino 17:26 - Why Not Us? Subscribe to the new Sideline Films newsletter! - https://sideline-films.beehiiv.com You'll get all the same videos you see here, but in newsletter form, with some more inspirational tidbits from these athletes & teams added in. Enjoyed this video? Check out my video on the day Tom Brady SAVED the Patriots dynasty:    • The Day Tom Brady Saved The Patriots Dynasty   Watch my video on Tom Brady's Greatest Triumph, his 7th Super Bowl ring, with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers! -    • Tom Brady's Greatest Triumph   Become a Sideline Films member today! Sideline Films Elite Members get priority reply to comments and access to member-only polls & community. Sideline Films Platinum Members get access to all those, AND get early access to new videos! (24+ hours in advance) - plus, you can give input on content ideas. Sideline Films Diamond Members get access to everything before, AND shout-outs in videos. Join today!    / @sidelinefilmz   #fifaworldcup #worldcup #worldcup2026 #usmnt #ussoccer #teamusa #usa #USMNT #WorldCup2026 #ChristianPulisic #USASoccer #FIFAWorldCup2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA, World Cup 2026, World Cup 26, 2026 World Cup, 26 World Cup, USA World Cup, USMNT World Cup, Mauricio Pochettino, Christian Pulisic, USA World Cup, America World Cup, FIFA World Cup, FIFA, World Cup 2026, World Cup 26, 2026 World Cup, 26 World Cup, USA World Cup, USMNT World Cup, Mauricio Pochettino, Christian Pulisic, USA World Cup, America World Cup Current subscriber count: 21,334