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  "path": "/the-usmnt-is-still-stuck-in-the-middle",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-01T16:27:31.000Z",
  "site": "https://defector.com",
  "tags": [
    "Soccer",
    "2026 World Cup",
    "2026 world cup previews",
    "usmnt",
    "World Cup",
    "You can read all of our previews here."
  ],
  "textContent": "_It's almost time for the World Cup. Before the tournament, we'll be previewing each of the top 15 teams by FIFA rankings that made the tournament. Why the top 15? Because that's how many we needed to do in order for the USMNT to make the cut._ _You can read all of our previews here._\n\n* * *\n\nThe story of the past decade of American soccer has been the eastward migration of the nation's best young players out of MLS purgatory and into the best teams and developmental academies in the world. That story is supposed to have a happy ending for the national team, or at least some positive plot developments. So far it has not, though the Jürgen Klinsmann prophecy has yet to be really tested. That's what's at stake in this 2026 World Cup: a resolution. One moment, one goal, one game goes your way, and everything is different. This is the competition that matters.",
  "title": "The USMNT Is Still Stuck In The Middle"
}