With 2026 on the horizon future looks bright for young Americans

AL RAYYAN, Qatar : The United States exited the World Cup with a Round of 16 loss to the Netherlands on Saturday but looking towards the 2026 horizon, a bright future is rising for the young Americans.

Having failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter opted for youth this time, fielding a lineup with an average age of 25 - the second youngest of the 32 nations assembled in Qatar after Ghana.

With defender DeAndre Yedlin, who played in Brazil in 2014, the only link to the country's World Cup past, the Americans' lack of experience was glaring at moments but offset by exuberance and a breathless work rate.

While a 3-1 humbling at the hands of the Dutch was not the way the United States wanted to exit, the big picture assessment is "mission accomplished" as Berhalter's young squad received a World Cup baptism that is sure to pay dividends in 2026.

"We set out with a goal to show the rest of the world how we play soccer and I think we partially achieved that even though we fell short of our goals," Berhalter said. "I think this group is close.

"To be fielding the youngest lineup in the World Cup four games in a row and still be able to play the way we are the American public should be optimistic."

When the next World Cup rolls around on home turf players like 19-year-old Yunus Musah, 22-year-olds Timothy Weah and Sergino Dest, 23-year-old Tyler Adams - the youngest captain at this year's tournament - will all be approaching their prime.

The United States may have also have uncovered the marquee name American fans can attach themselves to over the next four years in Chelsea's 24-year-old attacking mid-fielder Christian Pulisic, who established his star credentials in Qatar.

A gritty, politically charged