The United States men’s national team dominated Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in their Concacaf Gold Cup opener on Sunday, but do the people care?
Despite the home World Cup being just a year out, the USMNT’s draw appears to be at a low that hasn’t been seen in recent history. Sunday’s game was played at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, which has a capacity of 18,000.
The venue was far from filled with a reported attendance of 12,610.
The scene at the stadium 10 minutes from kickoff was hard to believe.
USMNT attendance vs Trinidad and Tobago
I have been talking with a colleague in press box here at PayPal Park in San José for last 15 minutes and just looked up. Three sections straight across might have 25 people each in them. We’re 10 minutes from kickoff! Brutally poor crowd for #USMNT opener at Gold Cup. pic.twitter.com/iFzsjeCyfX
— Paul Kennedy (@pkedit) June 15, 2025
This attendance is a pretty good representation to how everyone feels about this team currently #USMNT
— Justin (@NotAGoodGamer14) June 15, 2025
The seats on the far side filled in more as the game progressed, however thousands of empty chairs overlooked the USMNT’s 5-0 win.
Just two years ago the USMNT’s “B-Team” played Trinidad and Tobago in the Gold Cup in Charlotte, North Carolina, and drew over 40,000 fans to Bank of America Stadium.
️ 40,243 at tonight’s Gold Cup match between USMNT and Trinidad and Tobago.
⚽️ 6-0 victory for USMNT during their first match in Charlotte. pic.twitter.com/ZPZaXRr4LR— Ashley Mahoney (@m_a_h_o_n_e_y) July 3, 2023
The vacant stands from Sunday’s game sends a clear message. The hearts of the fans must be re-captured in the next 12 months.
So, what’s the problem?
A combination of the USMNT’s poor form (they entered Sunday on a 4-game losing streak), the high ticket prices and the recent drama of Christian Pulisic skipping out on the Gold Cup should all be considered.
Pulisic said in an interview that he wanted to play in USA's June friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland but then rest for the Gold Cup. The AC Milan star then claimed that U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino wouldn’t allow him to do that.
Pochettino then responded to Pulisic’s claims on Saturday.
"Players need to listen and to stick with our plan," Pochettino said. "They cannot dictate the plan. When I signed my contract in the federation, I am the head coach. I am not a mannequin."
The negativity swirling around the team has had a visible impact on the supporters’ feelings as the energy behind the national team isn’t up to snuff of a nation set to host a World Cup.
It’s unfair and untrue to claim the United States doesn’t care about soccer. While the USMNT struggled to attract fans in San Jose, over 80,000 people filled the Rose Bowl a few hours down the road to watch PSG and Atlético Madrid in the Club World Cup.
80,619 is the attendance for
Paris Saint Germain vs Atletico Madrid at the Rose Bowl Stadium in the #clubworldcup2025 pic.twitter.com/FHFS1oDtiG— Eduard Cauich (@MayanTiger1) June 15, 2025
Will the USMNT reignite the passion for this team as the clock counts down to the home World Cup in 2026? Winning the Gold Cup would be a damn good start.
