In one of the most inspired performances from a U.S.men's team, well, ever, the USMNT started their group stage run by destroying a very solid Paraguay team 4-1.
They followed that up by handling a defensive, feisty Australia team 2-0, clinching the top spot in their group before the third game even took place.Advancing out of the group stage was the bare minimum expectation, but the way the United States did it — with aggressive, attacking soccer and dominant scorelines — raised expectations for the rest of the tournament.US SOCCER ISSUES STATEMENT ON MAURICIO POCHETTINO'S FUTURE WITH TEAM USA AFTER WORLD CUPThey beat Bosnia & Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32 for their first win in a knockout stage game in decades, though the result was tainted by Folarin Balogun's very undeserved red card.Everyone knows what happened next.
FIFA postponed his suspension, President Donald Trump said he spoke to FIFA about the improper protocol used to give the red card in the first place and Balgoun was allowed to play against Belgium.Rudi Garcia, manager of Belgium, talks to Folarin Balogun of the United States after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between the USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026, in Seattle, Washington.(MB Media/Getty Images)Little good it did.
The Red Devils were clearly the better team in Seattle, and took advantage of some frankly inexcusable and indefensible mistakes from U.S.players.
Particularly goalkeeper Matt Freese and center-back Tim Ream.Not only was the 4-1 result frustrating, but disheartening too, for what it implied about how far the USMNT has to go.The end of the World Cup also meant the end of Mauricio Pochettino's contract as the team's manager, leading to much debate and disagreement over whether he should continue.
And this week, we seem to have gotten our answer on U.S.Soccer's thinking.Multiple reports, including in The Athletic, have said that the two sides are "close" to an agreement on a new contract...