Julian Alvarez #9 and Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina react after losing to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
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The 2026 World Cup saw participation from forty-eight nations, but Spain emerged as the sole champion. The other 47 teams, despite having exceptional players and resources, provide insightful lessons for the American healthcare system. Among these teams, France boasted the tournament’s top scorer, Kylian Mbappé, while Argentina was led by the legendary Lionel Messi. England made it to the semifinals with a talented squad, featuring standout Harry Kane. However, none of these teams secured the championship.
Similarly, American healthcare is rich in talent and financial resources. The country boasts outstanding doctors, top-tier hospitals, and innovative technologies, with per-capita healthcare spending nearly double that of many other nations. Despite this, the system struggles with unaffordable care, inconsistent access, and escalating chronic diseases, leaving clinicians increasingly dissatisfied.
Reflecting on the World Cup’s outcomes, I discerned three key issues that American medicine shares with the unsuccessful teams.
Problem 1: American Medicine Lacks a Unified Strategy
Successful World Cup teams enter matches with a clear game plan, knowing how to attack, defend, and adapt. American healthcare, on the other hand, lacks a cohesive strategy for enhancing quality, accessibility, and affordability. When asked how to achieve these goals, healthcare leaders often provide contradictory answers, frequently shifting blame.
The system is fragmented, with independent practices, hospitals, and competing groups. Many doctors operate under a fee-for-service (pay-for-volume) model, earning more through increased visits, tests, and procedures, regardless of outcome improvements. Coordination is rare, and there are few incentives to prevent disease.
During the World Cup, Messi’s strategic play highlighted the power of a well-timed approach. By conserving energy and waiting for the right moment, he propelled Argentina to near victory. Healthcare leaders should similarly recognize that disruption can create opportunities, knowing when to act or wait.
Generative AI presents such an opportunity, enabling continuous medical care at home. While technology like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini can provide immediate clinical guidance, its strategic application is crucial. Currently, GenAI is primarily used for administrative efficiency, which doesn’t transform care.
The real potential lies in using technology to enhance clinical outcomes and reduce costs by keeping patients healthy. A winning strategy must address the challenges of access and affordability.
Problem 2: Individual Excellence Falls Short Without Teamwork
France entered the 2026 World Cup with exceptional individual talent but was outperformed by Spain’s cohesive team strategy. Spain’s players worked together, excelling in possession and passing, which limited opponents’ scoring chances.
In contrast, U.S. medicine often prioritizes individual excellence, with care delivered as isolated encounters. Hospitalized patients frequently see multiple specialists, but communication among them is rare and fragmented, posing a threat to coordination and safety.
While the traditional office-based model sufficed for past acute issues, today, chronic diseases require continuous monitoring and teamwork among clinicians. Without effective coordination, patients suffer preventable complications.
Although doctors value independence, medicine’s growing complexity necessitates teamwork. To improve outcomes, doctors must form effective groups, share information, and collaborate, much like Spain’s World Cup team.
Problem 3: Physicians Have Relinquished Leadership
In the semifinals, England led Argentina but became overly defensive, allowing Argentina to capitalize and advance. Similarly, American physicians have retreated from leadership roles within healthcare. Today, insurers and administrators dictate treatment authorizations and productivity, while private equity influences medical practices.
Though physicians express dissatisfaction, they have not united to challenge these changes effectively. Joining hospitals or insurance companies won’t restore autonomy.
To regain authority, physicians must form groups, empower clinical leaders, agree on evidence-based practices, and embrace financial accountability through capitation. This model offers a fixed amount for patient care, rewarding superior outcomes and cost control.
This proactive approach aligns with the profession’s values, promising clinical excellence and affordability for patients. The U.S. has the talent and resources needed to succeed but lacks a clear strategy, teamwork, and leadership.
Like the World Cup teams that fell short, American medicine must improve. Clinicians must unite, develop a strategic plan, adopt new technologies, and take responsibility for system performance. The tournament demonstrated that anything less will not suffice.
