2016 USA Away – Christian Pulisic #17 Medium

The 2016 international season represented a crucial transition period for the United States Men’s National Team, as the program began shifting responsibility from an aging core toward a new generation. Managed by Jürgen Klinsmann for most of the year (before his dismissal in November), the U.S. competed primarily in 2018 World Cup qualifying, the Copa América Centenario, and international friendlies.

The defining event of the year was the Copa América Centenario, hosted in the United States. Drawn into a difficult group, the U.S. recovered from an opening loss to Colombia to advance to the knockout stages. They defeated Ecuador 2–1 in the quarter-finals before falling to Argentina in the semi-finals. A loss to Colombia in the third-place match saw the U.S. finish 4th overall, their best Copa América result in the modern era.

In World Cup qualifying, inconsistency and tactical uncertainty began to surface, foreshadowing deeper issues that would culminate later in the cycle. Still, 2016 is remembered as the year the U.S. consciously began handing responsibility to youth — with one teenager standing above the rest.

The 2016 USA away kit, produced by Nike, featured a bold red base with tonal horizontal striping and subtle blue detailing. Modern, aggressive, and youth-oriented, the shirt symbolized change and ambition, becoming closely associated with the emergence of the next face of American soccer.

2. Player’s Impact – Christian Pulisic

The 2016 season marked the international breakthrough of Christian Pulisic. At just 17–18 years old, Pulisic transitioned from promising youth prospect to genuine senior international contributor, announcing himself as the future of U.S. soccer.

Pulisic earned regular minutes throughout the year, including appearances at the Copa América Centenario, where he became the youngest player ever to appear for the U.S. at a major tournament. Operating primarily as a wide attacking midfielder, he brought directness, acceleration, and fearless dribbling to a side often short on creativity.

His defining moment came in World Cup qualifying against Honduras, where he scored twice to secure a vital victory and demonstrate his capacity to decide matches under pressure. Even earlier in 2016, his confidence on the ball, willingness to take defenders on, and ability to progress play immediately distinguished him from teammates.

Tactically, Pulisic offered verticality and unpredictability. He thrived in transition, carried the ball through pressure, and increasingly demanded responsibility despite his age. While still physically developing, his football intelligence and composure suggested a player far beyond his years.

The 2016 campaign established Pulisic not merely as a prospect, but as the centerpiece of the U.S. program moving forward — the moment American soccer clearly pivoted toward a new era.

3. Full Squad List (United States – 2016 Player Pool)

Manager: Jürgen Klinsmann

Goalkeepers:
Tim Howard, Brad Guzan, Sean Johnson

Defenders:
Geoff Cameron, John Brooks, Matt Besler, DeAndre Yedlin, Fabian Johnson, Omar Gonzalez, Tim Ream

Midfielders:
Christian Pulisic, Michael Bradley (captain), Jermaine Jones, Darlington Nagbe, Kellyn Acosta, Alejandro Bedoya

Forwards:
Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore, Bobby Wood, Gyasi Zardes, Jordan Morris