Review of "The Long Game"

With the arrival of the 2026 World Cup to the United States, Canada and Mexico, I wanted to pick up this book to get a good look at the United States' squad.  I got that and a whole lot more from this excellent book. 

Title/Author:

“The Long Game: U.S. Men's Soccer and Its Savage, Four-Decade Journey to the Top, or Thereabouts” by Leander Schaerlaeckens

Rating: 

5 of 5 stars (excellent)

Review:

Leander Schaerlaekens’ book offers a thorough and engaging history of the United States Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT), tracing its long and often winding journey from obscurity to renewed relevance on the global stage. The narrative begins by framing the USMNT’s early years through the lens of its stunning 1–0 upset over England in the 1950 World Cup—an achievement that stood in isolation for decades. After that moment of international shock, the United States failed to qualify for another World Cup until 1990, a period Schaerlaekens characterizes with precision and clarity.

One of the book’s strongest sections is its examination of that 40-year gap, during which American soccer struggled for identity and stability. Schaerlaekens effectively documents the fragmented nature of the sport during this era: the absence of a formal national program, the collapse of early professional leagues, and the sport’s marginal cultural footprint. His account of how the United States finally clawed its way back to the World Cup in 1990—despite limited infrastructure and minimal global respect—provides essential context for understanding the program’s modern era.

From there, the book offers a detailed, tournament-by-tournament exploration of the USMNT’s growth, challenges, and internal dynamics since 1990. Schaerlaekens blends analysis of on‑field performance with discussion of coaching philosophies, roster decisions, and the evolving expectations placed on the team. These chapters illuminate the difficult decisions and political maneuvering that shape the national team, giving readers a deeper appreciation of the complexities behind each World Cup cycle.

Interspersed throughout are insightful player and coach profiles that enrich the broader narrative. Schaerlaekens highlights the personalities who have shaped the program over the past three decades, while also providing an accessible look into the governance and politics of both U.S. Soccer and FIFA. For a casual fan—especially someone whose interest peaks during World Cup years—these sections offer valuable background on how players are selected, how coaches are evaluated, and how organizational pressures influence the team’s trajectory.

A notable feature of the book is its series of chapters dedicated to contemporary stars such as Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams. These segments help bridge the historical story with the present and future of the team, offering readers a sense of how today’s core players developed and why they are integral to the United States’ ambitions ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the country will co‑host.

Overall, Schaerlaekens delivers a balanced and comprehensive chronicle of the USMNT. Whether one is a longtime supporter or a casual viewer who tunes in every four years, the book provides both historical insight and forward-looking context. It is an informative and enjoyable read for soccer fans of any level.

I wish to thank Viking Penguin for providing a copy of the book via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.

 

Link: Amazon.com: The Long Game: U.S. Men's Soccer and Its Savage, Four-Decade Journey to the Top, or Thereabouts: 9780593653876: Schaerlaeckens, Leander: Books