The USMNT has the second-youngest roster in Qatar. It also has, on paper at least, perhaps the most talented squad in its history.
By the numbers: According to Transfermarkt, which tracks the market value of soccer players globally, this year's USMNT squad has a total value of $288.4 million, more than double the value of the 2010 and 2014 rosters combined.
Between the lines: Only one player on the 2010 and 2014 rosters went into a World Cup worth eight figures: Tim Howard in 2010 ($10.4 million). The 2022 team has 11 such players, all of whom are under the age of 25:
The big picture: Many of these players went through the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, which was launched 15 years ago to fix American soccer development.
Yes, but: The market value of top American talent still pales in comparison to global stars like France's Kylian Mbappe ($166.4 million), Spain's Pedri ($104 million) and England's Harry Kane ($93.6 million).
The bottom line: The USMNT has long been defined by a "greater than the sum of its parts" identity. The 2022 squad, with its youth and talent, has a chance to break that mold.
Captain America … Adams, 23, will captain the USMNT in Qatar after winning a vote among teammates. Pulisic, 24, and Nashville defender Walker Zimmerman, 29, were also considered.
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