USMNT ‘are too young to be afraid’ and ‘the BEST we’ve ever had,’ says Leeds boss Jesse Marsch

Leeds United’s US coach Jesse Marsch has penned an emotional essay expressing hope for the youthful USMNT ahead of their upcoming World Cup campaign in Qatar.

The United States will face Wales for the first time on Monday afternoon, ahead of a Black Friday clash with England, before finishing the group stage against Iran on November 29.

While many fear the US will disappoint at the tournament, Marsch – who represented his country twice and was an assistant to the 2010 World Cup squad – sees a lot in both the near and long term.

The American manager of Leeds United, Jesse Marsch, has high hopes ahead of the World Cup in Qatar

“This American team has a chance to be inspiring again. That’s the best thing that can happen to our sport,” said Marsch in a guest column for The athletic.

The United States has the second youngest squad in Qatar, with an average age of 24, boding well for the all-important home tournament – shared with Canada and Mexico – in 2026.

“They don’t want to talk about it now, but in reality this World Cup is a springboard for the team,” he wrote.

“We all want the team to do really well right now, but everyone at home is looking at 2026 and imagining what this could really be when the World Cup comes back to the US.”

Christian Pulisic is the undisputed star of the USMNT heading into this month’s tournament

While expectations may be relatively low, MLS legend believes there is a world where the USMNT compete in their own backyard.

“It’s silly to say it out loud, but can we be contenders at home? To even say that out loud is ridiculous. But we do think this is a golden generation of players.

“We think – on sheer potential – this is the best group we’ve ever had. Can they develop and grow to the point where they can be considered semi-finalists in three and a half years? Finalists?’

Marsch, who has left Leeds sitting 15th in the Premier League, praised US coach Gregg Berhalter and the governing body for their confidence in the youth.

Borussia Dortmund’s Gio Reyna and Leeds United’s Brenden Aaronson will also be an integral part

“Gregg and the federation are totally committed to young players and if you look at it now, of course getting through to qualifying was a must given that we missed out in 2018, but if this group can do well in this tournament then you can you can use it as a springboard for 2026,” Marsch wrote.

“It was very well done and very well thought out and it gives us a chance to be better in 2026.

And youth need not be a disadvantage. They are too young to be afraid. Too young to know better.’

Only one player on the 26-man roster, MLS and Inter Miami star DeAndre Yedlin has gone to the World Cup with numerous veterans left out at the expense of the USA’s exuberant, potential-filled squad.

The United States kicks off their World Cup campaign against Wales on Monday afternoon ET

Using the experience of Premier League players Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson, Antonee Robinson, Matt Turner and Tim Ream will be key, especially against the English on November 25.

The US’s last appearance at a World Cup was in South Africa, where a stubborn, “fearless” team led a group consisting of England, Slovenia and Algeria.

Those qualities exist in this latest iteration of the USMNT, according to Marsch.

Whether they can merge this with the required tactical application and energy will be revealed within the next 11 days.

According to the Leeds boss, the American fan base should be positive about what is to come