Does USMNT Need a Superstar to Make World Cup Noise? Brian Smith Weighs In

The question has been posed before, but it refuses to go away: does the United States men’s national team need a bona fide superstar to truly compete on the biggest stage? Football journalist Brian Smith has reignited the discussion, wondering aloud whether the USMNT can only propel themselves through a World Cup with a headline-grabbing talisman leading the charge.

The Superstar Question

Smith’s query cuts to the heart of a long-running debate in American soccer. The USMNT has historically relied on collective grit and tactical discipline rather than individual stardom. Names like Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey were influential but rarely considered global icons on the level of a Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. In the modern era, the team boasts talents like Christian Pulisic, yet he has not consistently reached that stratospheric perch. Smith asks whether that missing element—a true superstar—is what separates a round-of-16 exit from a semifinal charge.

The question is timely. With the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, expectations are soaring. The squad is young and dynamic, with players like Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams gaining experience in top European leagues. But does a collective approach suffice when knockout matches often come down to a moment of individual genius?

Team vs Individual

Smith’s point isn’t to dismiss the current setup. The USMNT has shown it can hold its own against elite sides by playing as a unit. The 2022 World Cup run, where they reached the round of 16, was built on defensive solidity and midfield energy. However, the lack of a game-changer in attack was evident against the Netherlands, where clinical finishing from the Dutch exposed the USMNT’s limitations.

History in football suggests that tournament winners almost always have a superstar or two. France had Kylian Mbappé, Argentina had Messi, Brazil has produced Neymar. Even the most balanced sides lean on individual brilliance in tight moments. Smith’s question, then, is not just rhetorical—it speaks to a genuine strategic concern. Can the USMNT’s current generation bridge that gap without a generational talent?

What It Means for the USMNT

Looking ahead, the answer might lie in development. The USMNT has a pipeline of promising talents—Giovanni Reyna, for instance, or emerging stars from MLS academies. But will any of them reach the level required to be considered a true World Cup superstar? Smith’s article doesn’t provide a definitive answer, but it opens a crucial conversation. The United States Soccer Federation must think about how to nurture that X-factor player, or double down on a system that maximizes the collective.

Ultimately, the USMNT’s path forward is uncertain. Whether they find a superstar or continue to rely on teamwork, the World Cup stage will demand more. Smith’s skepticism is a healthy reminder that good is not enough; greatness requires something extra. For American fans, the wait for that defining talent continues.