There’s no doubt regarding the talent at the ranks of the USMNT. Yet again, the Star and Stripes have struggled to reach their full potential. While many might first point to coaching as a possible issue, it’s actually the opposite. The likes of Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie have been urged not to ‘expect any help from the outside,’ but rather follow Trinity Rodman‘s suit, who continues to fire all the cylinders for USWNT at the ongoing Paris Olympics.

In the latest episode of Alexi Lalas-hosted State of the Union podcast, Doug McIntyre joined the panel alongside Stu Holden to discuss how USMNT stars could take charge and make the difference required to see them become successful. “Don’t expect any help from the outside,” said McIntyre. “There’s more talent in the US team than we saw this summer in the senior team and they’re going to have to figure out along with their new coach.”

While urging the need for both individual and collective development, he cited the example of USWNT’s star youngster. “Trinity Rodman—the evolution she made over the course of a year—it’s going to take players like Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, Brandon Aaronson, and even Christian Pulisic to get better over the next two years to reach levels that they haven’t, in order to have a successful 2026 World Cup.”

Others may relate to McIntyre as it has always seemed that USMNT talents have remained trapped in a gold-plated cage. Despite having the potential to clinch remarkable success, they have always fallen short on occasions like the 2023 FIFA World Cup and even the recent Copa America.

Agreed, a good coach also plays a crucial role in building a competitive team. Mostly, it is the gaffer who comes into the scrutiny. However, it’s the players too that are equally responsible for the team’s downfall. While the likes of Pulisic and McKennie figure out a way to rise on the occasion, there might be a Trinity Rodman in the making for the MNT.

USMNT’s own Trinity Rodman in making as 16-year-old sensation backed to play ‘key’ role in 2026 World Cup

Further inspiring the American boys to step up, Doug McIntyre earlier heaped praise on Nimfasha Berchimas. The 16-year-old forward is in the headlines after scoring in the recent 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship Final vs Mexico which they lost 2-1. While McIntyre backed the Charlotte FC prospect to break into the USA’s 2026 World Cup roster, the journalist has urged the Eagles not to be too dependent on the teenager instead.

“I don’t think you can hope that a 16-year-old kid that’s scoring goals in the U20 Copa Championship is going to come in and be a key part of that team. It’d be great if it happens but we certainly can’t count on that and I don’t know how realistic that is really,” said McIntyre, again pointing to Pulisic and Co. to take charge.

The US Soccer Federation took the bold step earlier to sack Gregg Berhalter and is now looking for a perfect replacement. In the meantime, responsibility binds on the shoulders of USMNT talents to heed the advice of stepping up and showcasing their potential, just like Trinity Rodman did for the USWNT.