Morning Sports Update
“I think it’s quarterfinals or bust.”
Taylor Twellman at a World Cup host committee press conference in 2024. David L Ryan/Globe Staff
May 26, 2026 | 10:40 AM
3 minutes to read
Taylor Twellman’s World Cup assessment of the U.S. team: When the United States men’s soccer team failed spectacularly to make it to the World Cup in 2018 — losing unexpectedly to Trinidad and Tobago 2-1 in the final game of a miserable qualifying cycle — it was the apoplectic voice of former Revolution forward (and soccer pundit) Taylor Twellman that came to symbolize American frustration.
“What are we doing?” a visibly upset Twellman thundered in a viral ESPN segment following the fiasco in 2018. It became a rallying cry for those looking to reform the U.S. program. The result, for better or worse, is a talented but imperfect roster that is starting to take shape in 2026.
As the U.S. prepares to officially unveil its World Cup squad on Tuesday (a version of it has already been reported by The Guardian), Twellman rejoined SportsCenter to offer his thoughts on the team and its 2026 World Cup objectives.
“Greatest accomplishment of my broadcasting career is the fact that I didn’t curse in that 11-minute rant, and I still hold my hat on that,” Twellman joked of his 2018 appearance.
Getting into his analysis of the reported roster, Twellman pointed to the inclusion of 10 defenders as a possible tip that U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino may opt for a three-back formation.
“My first thought was it’s a little bit safe,” Twellman said of the roster. “It’s very defender-heavy, it’s very midfield light, and I think all of that is I think Pochettino and his staff look at it and say, ‘If we’re going to get to the quarterfinals, we’re going to have to do it on our defensive side of things.’”
Asked what he felt was a reasonable expectation for the home side, Twellman provided context for his response. Noting that the last time the U.S. hosted a World Cup (in 2026 the U.S. are actually co-hosts with Mexico and Canada), Major League Soccer didn’t exist and the aim for the team was much lower, Twellman eventually settled on a definitive goal.
“I think a realistic expectation is win your group, you get to the quarterfinal,” said Twellman. “And then you let the chips fall where they may [and] you see who your opponent is. But the reality is at home in your backyard, I think it’s quarterfinals or bust.”
Trivia: Taylor Twellman is one of two Revolution players to win MLS MVP. Can you name the other?
(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: He originally comes from Valencia, Spain.
Scores and schedules:
Today, the Red Sox begin a three-game series against the Braves at Fenway Park at 6:45 p.m.
On Saturday, Boston Legacy FC travel to face the Current in Kansas City at 1:30 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
A lacrosse title: Princeton downed Notre Dame on Sunday to win its first lacrosse national championship since 2001.
On this day: In 1987, Larry Bird kept his head in the game and delivered one of the most clutch plays in Boston sports history. After a mishandled effort to hit a game-winning shot led to a turnover and Detroit ball with five seconds remaining, all the Pistons had to do was inbound the ball to win.
But Bird charged seemingly out of nowhere to steal Isiah Thomas’s pass before turning and dishing to teammate Dennis Johnson (who made the layup to give the Celtics the lead).
Boston held on 108-107, eventually winning the series in seven games. It remains an iconic play in NBA playoff history, and longtime Boston radio play-by-play announcer Johnny’s Most call is also worth a listen.
Daily highlight: When Australian-born Washington Nationals outfielder Curtis Mead hit a home run on Sunday, it was caught (using one hand) by a fan wearing an Australia t-shirt.
WHAT A CATCH 😯
Australian Curtis Mead hits a two-run homer, and a fan rocking an Australia shirt makes an outstanding one-handed grab 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/kcnzFR1rc1
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 25, 2026
Trivia answer: Carles Gil
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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