If we're talking about 2026, it starts with a manager that truly understands soccer at an international level. Pellegrino Matarazzo is available. I suggest him because USSF is hellbent on having an American manager. Matarazzo has lived in Germany since 2000 and was most recently managing Stuttgart. I believe he is 45, so maybe he could be the manager for at least two World Cup cycles to help build a better infrastructure with continuity.
We need a manager that wants the USMNT to play more friendly matches. These matches need to be away versus top European and South American sides. USSF wants to make money so to throw them a bone, invite African (e.g., Morocco, Senegal) and Asian teams (e.g., Japan, South Korea) for home friendly matches. Those home friendlies don't all have to be in Kansas City or Columbus, either. Play in cities that aren't USMNT strongholds to mentally toughen up the USMNT players.
The above is extremely crucial because there is no guarantee that the USMNT gets invited to the next Copa America and playing CONCACAF opponents is just not good preparation for the World Cup.