The United States men's national soccer team, often referred to as the USMNT, represents the United States of America in international association football (soccer) competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF (the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football). The team is ranked 27th in the world according to the FIFA World Rankings, and 26th in the World Football Elo Ratings. They have appeared in the last six FIFA World Cups and hosted the 1994 edition.
The men's national team competes in the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Confederations Cup, in addition to the CONCACAF Gold Cup and other competitions by invitation. They achieved a CONCACAF-best when they reached the Semi-final in the 1930 World Cup, finishing 3rd. After qualifying for the 1934 World Cup, and withdrawing in 1938, the next World Cup participation came in the 1950 tournament, causing an upset by beating England 1–0 in their second group match. After 1950, the USA didn't qualify for the World Cup again until 1990.
After the 1990 World Cup, the USA qualified automatically as hosts in the 1994 World Cup, losing to Brazil in the round of sixteen. From then on, the team has qualified for every World Cup since, up to and including the 2010 World Cup. The national team has improved in international level, reaching the finals of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, eliminating top ranked Spain in the semi-finals and narrowly losing to two time champion Brazil 3–2.
Read more about United States Men's National Soccer Team: International Rivalries, Schedule and Recent Results, Coaching Staff, Head Coaches
Famous quotes containing the words united states, united, states, men, national, soccer and/or team:
“It is said that the British Empire is very large and respectable, and that the United States are a first-rate power. We do not believe that a tide rises and falls behind every man which can float the British Empire like a chip, if he should ever harbor it in his mind.”
—Henry David Thoreau (18171862)
“Printer, philosopher, scientist, author and patriot, impeccable husband and citizen, why isnt he an archetype? Pioneers, Oh Pioneers! Benjamin was one of the greatest pioneers of the United States. Yet we just cant do with him. Whats wrong with him then? Or whats wrong with us?”
—D.H. (David Herbert)
“If I be false, or swerve a hair from truth,
When time is old and hath forgot itself,
When waterdrops have worn the stones of Troy,
And blind oblivion swallowed cities up,
And mighty states characterless are grated
To dusty nothing, yet let memory
From false to false among false maids in love
Upbraid my falsehood.”
—William Shakespeare (15641616)
“Ancient of days! august Athena! where,
Where are thy men of might? thy grand in soul?
Goneglimmering through the dream of things that were.”
—George Gordon Noel Byron (17881824)
“We love the indomitable bellicose patriotism that sets you apart; we love the national pride that guides your muscularly courageous race; we love the potent individualism that doesnt prevent you from opening your arms to individualists of every land, whether libertarians or anarchists.”
—Tommaso Marinetti (18761944)
“We want beans, not goals.”
—Mexican steelworkers banner at opening ceremony of 1986 World Cup soccer championship.
“Is my team ploughing,
That I was used to drive
And hear the harness jingle
When I was man alive?”
—A.E. (Alfred Edward)