Every USMNT World Cup Performance, Ranked | OneFootball

The United States has been to 11 World Cups, and with their 12th coming in 2026, we rank the USMNT’s World Cup runs from worst to first. 

Compared to the football giants of the world, the United States men’s national team has a modest World Cup history. But for Americans, especially those in their 40s, the tournament has always been a defining moment for the sport and its fight for legitimacy at home.

To this day, the USMNT holds an underwhelming World Cup record: nine wins, 20 losses, and eight draws across 11 tournaments, never winning more than two games in any edition.

Traditionally a round of 16 team, the USMNT has also produced a few disappointing group-stage exits. Here, we break down every World Cup the U.S. has played in, ranking them from worst to best.

11. 1998

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Following the uplifting and major shot in the arm that was the 1994 World Cup on home soil, the United States headed to France ’98 and delivered one of the most miserable performances in the program’s history.

Leading up to the 1998 World Cup, things in U.S. Soccer seemed to be on the rise. The men’s national team reached the semifinals of the 1995 Copa América, defeating Argentina 3–0 in the process. Major League Soccer launched in 1996, bringing professional soccer back to the country, and the U.S. earned a major 1–0 win over Brazil in the 1998 Gold Cup.

But storm clouds were brewing. Many of the top USMNT players saw their performance dip considerably after leaving Europe to play in the upstart domestic league. To make matters worse, captain John Harkes was thrown off the team due to an extramarital affair with the wife of Eric Wynalda, the USMNT’s all-time leading scorer at the time.

Head coach Steve Sampson did the team no favors, isolating the squad in complete solitude during the competition. Morale sank to an all-time low, with several players reportedly losing their World Cup bonuses by gambling on cards to beat the boredom. On the field, the United States were unquestionably one of the worst teams in the tournament: a 2–0 defeat to Germany was followed by a demoralizing and rapid elimination at the hands of Iran, 2–1. Yugoslavia then put the Americans out of their misery with a 1–0 victory to close out a disastrous World Cup.

10. 1934

Lost in the sands of time is the USMNT’s round-of-16 appearance in the second-ever World Cup, held in Italy in 1934. After finishing semifinalist in Uruguay four years earlier, the United States entered a tournament that, in this edition, was structured entirely as a knockout bracket.

The U.S. were drawn against the eventual champions, Italy, and were effectively DOA, suffering a 7–1 defeat. Angelo Schiavio of Bologna scored a hat-trick, while the Americans’ lone goal came from Aldo Teo “Buff” Donelli, who would later serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

9. 2006

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The USMNT entered the 2006 World Cup in Germany as FIFA’s fifth-ranked team in the world, and if that sounds ludicrous, it wasn’t even its highest ranking that year. Just one month earlier, the team was No. 4 in the world, its highest-ever ranking to this day. The reality was that the USMNT arrived riding a major wave of confidence thanks to Bruce Arena’s body of work, especially after a fantastic quarterfinal run in 2002.

On paper, the U.S. looked ready to make real noise in Germany with a core featuring Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, Claudio Reyna, Brian McBride, Eddie Pope, Steve Cherundolo, Eddie Lewis, Kasey Keller, and John O’Brien.

Their World Cup debut, however, was disastrous. A nervous U.S. side was manhandled 3–0 by the Czech Republic. That was followed by a brave, hard-fought 1–1 draw against Italy, a match in which the Americans played with nine men against 10. Still alive, the U.S. saw Clint Dempsey briefly revive their hopes in a 2–1 defeat to Ghana.

Ultimately, a highly praised American squad delivered a massive disappointment in Germany, with poor World Cups from many of their top players, most notably Donovan, who was a shadow of the star he had been four years earlier.

8. 1990

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After missing nine consecutive World Cups from 1954 to 1986, the United States returned to the world stage with a young group of college players and amateurs. Simply qualifying was a celebration, especially with the knowledge that four years later the U.S. would host the 1994 World Cup.

Everyone understood that this team was being built for what was coming in 1994, not for immediate success in Italy, and the results reflected that reality. Czechoslovakia hammered the Americans 5–1 in their opening match. Then, against all odds, the U.S. held their own in Rome against host Italy, ultimately falling 1–0 thanks to a strong performance in goal by Tony Meola. The United States closed out the tournament with a respectable 2–1 loss to Austria.

Paul Caligiuri, Peter Vermes, Christopher Sullivan, and Tab Ramos were the only players with professional contracts at the time, yet many from this young group would go on to become foundational figures for the future of the sport in the United States.

7. 1950

After placing semifinalist in the inaugural World Cup in 1930, and playing in 1934, the momentum of soccer in the United States came to a halt with the outbreak of World War II. The U.S. withdrew from the 1938 World Cup and did not return until 1950 in Brazil.

A ragtag team of mostly local players opened the tournament with a 3–1 loss to Spain, but four days later in Belo Horizonte they achieved the impossible: a historic 1–0 win over England, sealed by a 38th-minute goal from Joe Gaetjens — a result that sent shockwaves around the world. Despite that stunning victory, the Americans were ripped apart by Chile 5–2 and finished last in their group.

The win over England remains one of the biggest upsets in the sport’s history, and it became the lasting image of the national team before U.S. soccer entered its “dark ages” until the program’s revival in 1990.

6. 2014

Sold to the American public as a “historic” World Cup because the U.S. survived the so-called “Group of Death,” the reality of 2014 is quite different from the mythology that grew around it. In truth, the U.S. saved face more than it rose to the occasion.

To begin with, the USMNT were not in the real Group of Death — that label was largely a creation of the U.S. soccer media. The true Group of Death featured Italy, Uruguay, England, and Costa Rica. The U.S., meanwhile, earned the distinction of being voted “most likely to be placed in a tough group” and ended up with Germany, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, and Ghana.

Jürgen Klinsmann deserves praise for guiding a very limited squad as far as he did. The roster featured a mix of mainstays and newcomers, and was captained by Dempsey, who was midway through a Supporters’ Shield campaign with the Seattle Sounders and was in top form (source: https://readwrite.com/gambling/betting/washington/).

The U.S. opened strong, with Dempsey scoring 30 seconds into the first match against Ghana. A nervous American side held on until the 82nd minute when Ghana equalized, but John Brooks’ 86th-minute header delivered a gutsy win and some breathing room.

Against Portugal, a defensive lapse put the U.S. down in the fifth minute, but a courageous and inspired performance saw them equalize with a stunning strike from Jermaine Jones, one of the best goals in U.S. World Cup history, and then take the lead through a Dempsey strike in the 84th minute. Yet a late Ronaldo cross in stoppage time found Silvestre Varela, and Portugal leveled the match. Still, this match is up there as one of the best World Cup games by a U.S. team.

The U.S. were then outplayed by Germany in a 1–0 loss but still advanced to the round of 16, where a legendary Tim Howard performance kept them alive against a Belgium team that grew frustrated as the match went to extra time. Belgium eventually broke through with two extra time goals, and while Julian Green pulled one back for the Yanks, the quality of the Belgian side prevailed, knocking the U.S. out.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil was a major entry point for countless new American fans, but it is too often held up as a greater achievement than it truly was on soccer’s biggest stage.

5. 2010

Under Bob Bradley, the USMNT took a long time to find its identity, but eventually hit its best form after a historic run to the final of the 2009 Confederations Cup, where the U.S. defeated Egypt and Spain before pushing Brazil in a tight 3–2 loss in the final.

Donovan entered the 2010 World Cup determined to prove he was still the team’s star after a disappointing showing in Germany in 2006. A more mature and talented Dempsey, a steady Michael Bradley, an established Howard, and a reliable Cherundolo all gave the team plenty of reasons for optimism, especially if they could survive a tough opener against England.

The Americans fell behind early when Steven Gerrard scored just four minutes in, but Dempsey equalized thanks in part to a howler from England’s goalkeeper. In the second half, the U.S. nearly snatched the game, but the 1–1 draw still felt like a confidence boost.

Then came a disastrous first half against Slovenia, with the U.S. down 2–0. What followed was a miracle comeback: a thunderous strike from Donovan made it 2–1, and late in the match, Bradley buried the equalizer.

Needing a win against Algeria, the U.S. pushed relentlessly but left it late — very late. In the 91st minute, Donovan smashed home one of the most iconic goals in American soccer history. From the brink of elimination, the U.S. topped their group, sending the country into a frenzy.

Against Ghana in the round of 16, the U.S. played a more composed match, but were ultimately outgunned in extra time, losing 2–1 despite another Donovan milestone: a calm, clutch equalizing penalty. It was a bitter pill to swallow for a team that genuinely believed a quarterfinal berth was within reach.

South Africa 2010 proved to be a World Cup filled with emotion, unforgettable moments, and the emergence of a U.S. team that was shaky at times but undeniably talented and resilient.

4. 2022

A very young USMNT stumbled and fumbled its way to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after an up-and-down qualifying campaign filled with finger-pointing, doubts, and an inexperienced and at times overwhelmed manager in Gregg Berhalter.

With players like Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, Sergiño Dest, Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, and Antonee Robinson, the potential was undeniable, but the squad was also extremely young, prone to costly mistakes, and plagued by frequent injuries.

Despite a strong start against Wales, capped by a Tim Weah goal, a late penalty gave the Americans a frustrating 1–1 draw. Against England, this inexperienced group rose to the occasion and was the better side, but couldn’t find the net in a 0–0 result. A Pulisic goal then pushed the U.S. to a nervy 1-0 victory over Iran to propel the team into the round of 16.

In the round of 16, the U.S. faced the Netherlands, who tore apart the American defense in a 3–1 win. The World Cup ended with a gut punch but also the sense that the U.S. had the talent to reach new heights.

The fallout from 2022, however, was anything but encouraging. “ReynaGate” exposed the deep dysfunction within U.S. Soccer. Incredibly, Berhalter was rehired after a dubious election process, only to be fired following a disastrous Copa América performance. Put simply: in the years following 2022, the program took major steps backward.

Heading into 2026, the team is now coached by Argentine manager Mauricio Pochettino, and only recently has the program begun to show signs of promise after a brutal three-year stretch.

3. 1994

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Maybe the most recognizable and most beloved U.S. team of all time, the 1994 squad left a permanent mark on American soccer, whether it was the denim kits, Alexi Lalas’ hair, or simply the magic of hosting the World Cup.

On paper, the U.S. looked like a team heading for a beating. Still composed largely of semi-professionals, only a handful of players had professional contracts, and none were at elite clubs. But Bora Milutinović was determined to do something special with this group, and he did.

In their opening match against Switzerland, a nervous American side went down 1–0 on a marvelous free kick from Georges Bregy that beat a ponytailed Meola. Wynalda responded with a stunning free kick of his own, bringing the Pontiac Silverdome to life and earning the U.S. a 1–1 draw ahead of their massive showdown with Colombia.

Colombia vs. the United States at the Rose Bowl remains one of the most iconic World Cup matches ever. Heavy favorites, Colombia had been shocked 3–1 by Romania and needed a big response. A tense U.S. side held on, and in the 35th minute took the lead on the now-infamous Andrés Escobar own goal.

In the second half, the Americans took control. Earnie Stewart made it 2–0 in the 52nd minute, and Marcelo Balboa nearly stole the show with an audacious bicycle-kick attempt off a corner. Lalas and Balboa anchored a back line that limited Colombia to harmless long-range shots easily collected by Meola. The match finished 2–1, and the Americans celebrated like champions. They were heading to the round of 16, and looking good doing it.

Riding high, the U.S. deserved more in their final group match against Romania but fell 1–0, setting up a July 4 round-of-16 clash with Brazil.

In front of a record-breaking American TV audience, the U.S. held mighty Brazil deep into the match. The Brazilians grew visibly frustrated, a tension that boiled over when Leonardo fractured Ramos’ skull with a violent elbow. In the 72nd minute, Brazil finally broke through as Bebeto scored the decisive goal. The elimination was a gut punch, but fans rose to their feet to applaud the Americans for a magnificent effort.

Today, more people around the world can name members of the 1994 squad than any U.S. team since. In South America, whenever a U.S. game is broadcast, the names Meola, Lalas, Ramos, and Cobi Jones are still mentioned with genuine recognition and respect.

2. 1930

In the first-ever World Cup held in Uruguay, the United States made a surprisingly big impact. Coached by Scottish manager Robert Millar, the Americans burst onto the scene with a 3–0 win over Belgium at Nacional’s historic home ground, El Gran Parque Central.

In their second match, against Paraguay, Bert Patenaude scored the first hat-trick in World Cup history, leading the U.S. to another 3–0 victory and booking a place in the semifinals.

There, the Americans ran into Argentina, who, along with Uruguay, played the best soccer in the world at the time, and the dream came to a crashing halt. The U.S. suffered a 6–1 defeat in a match widely described as a violent, bruising affair.

Still, that first World Cup run placed the United States on a pedestal that few nations debuting in the tournament have been able to match since.

1. 2002

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The modern-day standard by which all American teams are measured, and without question the greatest performance in USMNT World Cup history, the 2002 run was more than a sporting achievement. It may have been the tournament that saved soccer in the United States.

After the disaster of France ’98, momentum for the sport collapsed. MLS was losing massive amounts of money, its future looked bleak, and another poor World Cup might have been the final nail in the coffin.

Drawn into a group with World Cup favorite Portugal, co-host South Korea, and Poland, the U.S. entered the tournament with little expectation of advancing. Under Arena, the U.S. had found balance and confidence. Led by McBride, Lewis, Pope, Claudio Reyna, Brad Friedel, and electrifying youngsters Donovan, Beasley, and O’Brien, this team had something to say about American soccer.

Against Portugal, the U.S. delivered the most explosive start in its World Cup history, stunning the world with three first half goals against a disorganized and overwhelmed Portuguese side. Portugal fought back, but the U.S. held on for a monumental 3–2 upset.

Against South Korea, Clint Mathis became a World Cup hero with a brilliant go-ahead strike, and Friedel added to his legend by saving a penalty. Korea eventually equalized for a 1–1 draw, but the U.S. had proven they were for real. A disastrous 3–1 loss to Poland followed, yet other results went their way and the Americans finished second, setting up a round-of-16 showdown with arch rivals Mexico.

A cocky Mexico forgot the U.S. had already beaten them in Copa América and knew them better than any team in the world. The Americans executed a magnificent defensive game plan and struck with goals from McBride and Donovan. Frustrated and overwhelmed, Mexico resorted to hacking down U.S. players throughout the second half. Watching El Tri crumble on the world stage remains one of the most satisfying moments in U.S. Soccer history. Shredded, shut out, and broken, Mexico were sent home, and the U.S. advanced to the quarterfinals to face Germany.

Against the Germans, the Americans were the better team. But a Michael Ballack header, a blatant handball on the goal line that went uncalled, and a heroic performance from Oliver Kahn pushed Germany to a narrow win.

Despite the heartbreak, the U.S. became one of the stories of the tournament — exciting, fearless, and impossible to write off. Their success captured the nation’s attention, filled media outlets back home, and played a major role in convincing MLS ownership to keep the league alive.

A massively important World Cup, not just for the USMNT, but for the future of the sport in the United States.