Jonathan Sigal via mlssoccer.com
Friday, Jun 19, 2026, 11:00 PM
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino and the US men's national team are in unprecedented territory.
The Yanks have booked a knockout-round spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Group D winners with a game to spare, courtesy of Friday's 2-0 win over Australia and last week's 4-1 rout of Paraguay.
The USMNT have set several program records along the way; their six points are the most for the team in a World Cup group stage, and it's the first time the US have won two group matches since 1930.
Already knowing they'll play the Round of 32 in the San Francisco Bay Area, the USMNT will look to sweep Group D when they meet Türkiye on June 25 in Los Angeles (10 pm ET | FOX, Telemundo, Peacock).
USA 4, Paraguay 1
Any World Cup nerves turned into euphoria on the tournament's second matchday, with the USMNT cruising to a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay.
Christian Pulisic was the catalyst for an early own goal, Folarin Balogun netted a first-half brace, and Giovanni Reyna rounded out the scoring with a sensational late strike.
The opening game in Los Angeles could not have gone much better.
USA 2, Australia 0
With first place in Group D on the line, the USMNT shipped up to Seattle Sounders FC's home stadium and played before a massive crowd of 66,925 fans.
Balogun created another early own goal, and former Orlando City star Alex Freeman headed home a rebound as halftime approached.
The USMNT found solutions while Pulisic (calf) was out injured; FC Dallas homegrown product Ricardo Pepi stepped into the starting lineup during the 2-0 victory.
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