As World Cup fever takes hold, commercials become more patriotic, the U.S. national team jerseys suddenly appear on the backs of influencers, and a few outlets inevitably dust off the “monthlong Super Bowl” take. All of which is magnified this summer as the U.S. co-hosts the 2026 edition.
The U.S. men’s national team did its part to fuel this optimism, opening the tournament with a 4-1 statement win over Paraguay on Friday. Even the staunchest skeptics were forced to acknowledge the progress on display. After the victory, the U.S’s odds of advancing from Group D soared to 97 percent.
The potential is obvious. But while the result provided a jolt of enthusiasm, the reality is that the United States remains a work in progress, rather than a genuine contender to lift the trophy.
Except the U.S. has won a World Cup — four, in fact, including one at home — and five Olympic gold medals and produced a Ballon d’Or winner. It has also regularly been ranked the best in the world. The U.S. has bona fide soccer superstars. However, the players who transcended the sport, changed culture and are among the world’s top 100 players are sitting at home … because their World Cup is next summer in Brazil at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In April, the U.S. men’s head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, offered perhaps the most melodramatic ***** sment of the U.S. men’s national team after back-to-back losses in international friendlies.
The U.S. men’s national team did its part to fuel this optimism, opening the tournament with a 4-1 statement win over Paraguay on Friday. Even the staunchest skeptics were forced to acknowledge the progress on display. After the victory, the U.S’s odds of advancing from Group D soared to 97 percent.
The potential is obvious. But while the result provided a jolt of enthusiasm, the reality is that the United States remains a work in progress, rather than a genuine contender to lift the trophy.
Except the U.S. has won a World Cup — four, in fact, including one at home — and five Olympic gold medals and produced a Ballon d’Or winner. It has also regularly been ranked the best in the world. The U.S. has bona fide soccer superstars. However, the players who transcended the sport, changed culture and are among the world’s top 100 players are sitting at home … because their World Cup is next summer in Brazil at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In April, the U.S. men’s head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, offered perhaps the most melodramatic ***** sment of the U.S. men’s national team after back-to-back losses in international friendlies.
5 months ago
