United States returned to the World Cup in 1998, looking to improve on their 1994 knockout-round exit. Under Steve Sampson, they were ready to write the next chapter.
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 7 |
| 2 |
|
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 7 |
| 3 |
|
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
| 4 |
|
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 5 | -4 | 0 |
It was a tournament to forget for United States, who left without a single victory to their name. Goals proved hard to come by, with just 1 in 3 matches, and their lack of firepower ultimately told.
United States found the group stage unforgiving, unable to pick up a single victory against their opponents. Their campaign featured a 0-2 defeat against Germany, a narrow 1-2 loss to IR Iran, and a narrow 0-1 loss to Yugoslavia. The World Cup dream ended earlier than hoped, with United States bowing out in the first round.
3lost
1scored5conceded
Lost all 3 matches failed to score in 2 of 3 matches.
Brian McBride led United States's attack with 1 goal at the 1998 World Cup.
4yellow
1.3per match
The tactical mind behind United States's 1998 campaign. Winless under Sampson leading United States at his first World Cup.
Despite having some promising young players, Sampson's team struggled with discipline and lacked cohesion in front of goal. The USMNT's attacking approach was limited to long balls over the top.
