HBO is set to premiere a new docuseries that will follow the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) as they gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Titled “U.S. Against the World: Four Years with the Men’s National Soccer Team,” the series will take viewers behind the scenes of the team’s journey over the past four years, culminating in the highly anticipated tournament. The first episode is scheduled to air on Tuesday, 12 May, at 9 p.m. ET.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/usmnt-game-42826-b4dab002872a4af4a242505e2858ec8a.jpg)
The docuseries promises to provide an in-depth portrayal of the trials and triumphs faced by the USMNT. HBO describes it as an unprecedented look at the team’s preparations for the World Cup, which is set to take place in North America this June. This event holds special significance, as it will be the first time the U.S. has hosted the World Cup since 1994.
Filmed over an extensive period, the series showcases the personal and professional journeys of key US players, including Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Tim Weah, and Weston McKennie. Fans will get to delve deep into the lives of these athletes as they navigate the challenges of elite football in the lead-up to such a crucial event.
The production has also secured insights from prominent figures associated with the team, including current head coach Mauricio Pochettino and former coach Gregg Berhalter. The series, directed by Rand Getlin and Luke Korver, has been excuted by Getlin and producer Janina Pelayo. Both coaches will contribute valuable perspectives, with Berhalter’s recent dismissal from the team expected to add an emotional layer to the narrative.
The trailer for the docuseries, shared exclusively with PEOPLE, features personal interviews with players, coaches, and their families. This intimate footage offers a glimpse into the experiences and emotions of those involved as they prepare for what could be a defining moment in their careers.
Notably, the series captures the significant moment of Berhalter’s firing in July 2024, with the former coach reflecting on the challenges of leadership in football. His sentiments highlight the unpredictability of coaching, as he transitions to memories of Pochettino’s take over later that year.
Moreover, the trailer depicts candid emotions within the USMNT’s locker room, showcasing players grappling with losses that fell short of both their own expectations and those of their supporters. One player poignantly remarked on the rollercoaster ride the team has experienced over the last few years. The difficulties were palpable, especially following their exit from the 2022 World Cup, where the team reached the knockout stage but faced defeat against the Netherlands.
USMNT’s performances in the 2022 World Cup demonstrated potential, as the team progressed to the knockout round, eventually finishing among the final 16. Coach Pochettino has since emphasised the importance of the upcoming World Cup, stating it carries a weight unlike any other, particularly with it being staged on home soil.
Christian Pulisic, the team captain, conveyed the magnitude of this opportunity, effectively setting the stage for what lies ahead. “It doesn’t get much bigger than playing in a World Cup on home soil,” he stated in the trailer, underscoring the significance of the upcoming matches for both the players and fans alike.
With the World Cup kicking off on 11 June, excitement is building not just for the matches themselves, but also for the narrative that will unfold through HBO’s docuseries. As fans await the debut of “U.S. Against the World,” it’s clear that the emotional journeys captured in the documentary will resonate deeply, illuminating a pivotal chapter in American soccer history.