The United States national soccer team is gearing up for the FIFA World Cup 2026, with a series of key matches scheduled that will set the tone for their performance in the tournament.
Why it matters: The World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, marks a historic opportunity for the U.S. to showcase its growth in soccer. The tournament is expected to draw massive crowds and attention, especially with the U.S. being one of the favorites among fans.
The U.S. is the fourth country with the most soccer fans, highlighting the sport's growing popularity in the nation.
New York has extended bar hours to 4 AM during the World Cup, anticipating a surge in viewership and celebrations.
Key matches include the U.S. facing Paraguay on June 12, 2026, and Australia on June 19, 2026, both of which are seen as must-win games for the team.
Driving the news: The U.S. team recently lost to Germany 1-2 in a pre-World Cup friendly on June 6, 2026, raising some concerns about their form heading into the tournament.
In their last five matches, the U.S. has recorded two wins and three losses, including a notable 5-1 victory against Uruguay on November 19, 2025.
Paraguay, their first opponent in the World Cup, comes off a 4-0 win against Nicaragua and has shown solid form in recent matches.
The match against Paraguay will kick off at 3:00 AM local time on June 13, 2026, with Danny Makkelie as the referee.
State of play: As the team prepares, the dynamics within the squad are becoming clearer, especially with Alejandro Zendejas being called up for the tournament.
Zendejas, who plays for Club América, has been a surprise inclusion, adding depth to the U.S. attacking options.
The U.S. team is focused on leveraging home advantage, with matches played in stadiums across the country.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino has emphasized the importance of starting strong in Group D, which also includes Turkey and Australia.
The big picture: The World Cup 2026 serves as a stage for athletic competition and as a reflection of the progress made in U.S. soccer over the past few decades.
The 1994 World Cup, hosted by the U.S., laid the foundation for the current soccer boom, leading to the establishment of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996.
Today, the U.S. has a more competitive league and a generation of players who are gaining experience in top European leagues.
Soccer's growth is evident in youth participation and the increasing number of academies across the country.
What they're saying: Opinions among fans and analysts vary on the U.S. team's chances in the upcoming tournament.
Some Mexican fans have expressed support for the U.S. team, citing frustrations with the Mexican national team's inconsistency and unfulfilled promises.
One fan noted, "I admire the growth and serious project of the United States soccer team," indicating a shift in allegiance based on performance.
The sentiment reflects a broader cultural and emotional connection, where fans feel they can support both teams without conflict.
By the numbers: Key statistics highlight the U.S. team's performance leading up to the World Cup.
In their last five matches, the U.S. scored 11 goals but conceded 12, illustrating defensive vulnerabilities.
Paraguay's recent form shows them with three wins and two losses in their last five matches, scoring 9 goals and conceding 5.
The U.S. has a favorable betting prediction, with odds around 1.98 for a win against Paraguay, according to bookmakers.
What's next: The U.S. team is focused on fine-tuning their strategy as they head into the World Cup.
Players will continue to train intensively, working on both offensive tactics and defensive structures to address weaknesses revealed in recent matches.
Fans are gearing up for the opening match against Paraguay, with high expectations for a strong start in the tournament.
The U.S. soccer community is rallying behind the team, hoping to capitalize on home-field advantage and a passionate fan base.