The U.S. Men's National Team’s 2-1 defeat to Canada in the Concacaf Nations League third-place playoff has sent shockwaves through the American soccer community. As Canada celebrated their first back-to-back victories over the U.S. since 1985, former USMNT stars and international pundits didn’t hold back in their assessments of what many now view as a crisis moment for American soccer.

The match, played at SoFi Stadium, concluded a disappointing international window for the U.S., who had already suffered a 1-0 semifinal loss to Panama. With the team finishing fourth and the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching on home soil, concerns are mounting from both inside and outside the American camp.

Landon Donovan: “Talent isn’t enough”
Former USMNT captain and all-time great Landon Donovan expressed frustration with what he saw as a lack of intensity and national pride. “Talent is never enough,” Donovan said in post-match commentary. “When you wear that jersey, it has to mean something more. There has to be passion, hunger, and pride.”

Clint Dempsey: “This window was a failure”
Echoing Donovan’s sentiments, Clint Dempsey, another USMNT icon, called the Nations League performance “a failure.” He emphasized the need for every player to give 100% every match, stating, “This isn’t about tactics right now. It’s about heart and showing up when it matters.”

Thierry Henry: “The World Cup clock is ticking”
French legend and CBS Sports analyst Thierry Henry also weighed in, voicing concern about the U.S. team’s trajectory. While noting that some key players were unavailable, Henry warned that the team’s performances lacked urgency and consistency. “You can’t look like this in the run-up to a home World Cup. There needs to be serious reflection and immediate change.”

Christian Pulisic: “Something needs to change”
USMNT captain Christian Pulisic didn’t shy away from accountability. “Something needs to change. We need to improve, and we all know it,” he said. Pulisic emphasized the importance of returning to club play with professionalism and using the upcoming Gold Cup as a reset button. “This is a wake-up call,” he added.

A Program at a Crossroads
With back-to-back losses and a fourth-place finish in the Nations League, the USMNT now finds itself at a pivotal juncture. Coach Mauricio Pochettino remains confident that there is time to turn things around before the World Cup, but the road ahead will require more than tactics. It will demand leadership, accountability, and a rekindled team spirit.

The team’s next steps include international friendlies in June and the Concacaf Gold Cup, where all eyes will be watching to see whether the U.S. can respond to criticism and reclaim its identity on the pitch.