Football has never meant more in the United States than it does right now. American players are starring at the highest levels of European football and the game has grown exponentially since the country hosted in 1994.
Co-hosting the largest World Cup in history alongside Canada and Mexico, the USMNT carries the hopes of a generation that has been waiting for this moment their entire lives. Mauricio Pochettino – appointed in 2024 after his sacking from Chelsea – has spent 18 months building a squad specifically for this tournament.
How they got there
The United States qualified automatically in February 2023. A controversial squad announcement in May 2026 – which included Gio Reyna despite limited playing time and omitted consistent performer Diego Luna – dominated the headlines.
Best ever World Cup finish
The United States reached the semi-finals at the very first World Cup in 1930 – never matched since. In the modern era their best performance came in 2002 when they reached the quarter-finals – eliminating Portugal and Mexico before losing to Germany.
At the 2022 World Cup they reached the Round of 16 before losing 3-1 to the Netherlands. A quarter-final or beyond on home soil is the minimum expectation.
Iconic moments
Joe Gaetjens’ header that defeated England 1-0 at the 1950 World Cup remains the USMNT’s most celebrated moment.
Landon Donovan’s stoppage-time goal against Algeria in 2010 – which sent the United States through the group stage in the most dramatic fashion – captured the imagination of a new generation of American football fans.
Players to watch
Christian Pulisic (AC Milan) – The heartbeat of the USMNT with 84 caps and 32 goals. The 27-year-old arrives at a home World Cup carrying the expectations of a nation despite an extended goal drought at club level.
Folarin Balogun (AS Monaco) – The 24-year-old scored 19 goals in all competitions for Monaco this season and was named the club’s Player of the Season. His clinical finishing gives Pochettino a genuine goal threat up front.
Fixtures
13 Jun: USA vs Paraguay – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles – 03:00 SAST
19 Jun: USA vs Australia – Lumen Field, Seattle – 21:00 SAST
26 Jun: Turkey vs USA – SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles – 04:00 SAST
Photo: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images/File Photo
