It was a group stage to remember for the United States men’s national team.
For the first time since 2010, the U.S. won its group at the men’s FIFA World Cup, and it won multiple matches at the tournament for the first time since 2002. There is still plenty of work to be done, as the U.S. looks for its first win in the knockout stage in 24 years. But this is a moment in American soccer history worth reflecting on.
Here are the best moments and players from the United States’ group stage, plus a look-ahead to what’s next for the Stars and Stripes:
McIntyre: Balogun had already created the Americans’ first goal of the World Cup, an own goal that deflected in of a Paraguayan defender. He’d already scored one of his own to make it 2-0 for the home team.
But it wasn’t until deep into first-half stoppage that “Balo” both sealed the USA’s win and Man of the Match honors for himself. He did it with aplomb, dancing around a would-be tackle and picking out the top left corner of the visitors’ goal to give the Stars and Stripes an insurmountable 3-0 lead. It also served as a statement to the other 47 teams in the tournament: the U.S. means business.
(Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
McIntyre: The U.S. was leading the Socceroos, thanks to a second own goal in as many games when Freeman, the 21-year-old son of Super Bowl winner and Green Bay Packers legend Antonio, pounced on an airborne ball and nodded in past the outstretched Aussie keeper into the net. Initially, the goal was ruled offside. But the longer the VAR check took, the more the anticipation grew among the home fans in Seattle.
By the time the ref took to the mic to explain his decision, it was apparent what it would be. The goal stood, the stadium shuddered, and Freeman took off on a 70-yard sprint, with all 25 of his teammates following. At that point, it was also clear that the U.S. was about to win back-to-back World Cup games for the first time in 96 years.
Litman: Goal celebrations have been special for this team. The squad chasing and then enveloping Alex Freeman after his header against Australia, then the team jumping and shouting after Auston Trusty scored against Türkiye, shows how tight-knit the group is. The players genuinely want to celebrate each other’s success.
McIntyre: The almost 70,000 in attendance didn’t need much coaxing. The atmosphere had been electric all game; it had morphed into a full-on street party by the time the final whistle echoed. Then the sweet sounds of John Denver’s iconic ballad came echoing though the PA, and neither the U.S. players nor fans missed a beat. Suddenly, it felt like all of Seattle was singing along spontaneously. The magical moment has since become a touchstone, and the classic tune is the soundtrack to this World Cup for the co-hosts.
Litman: I also have to go with the team walking around the field together after a 2-0 win over Australia singing the John Denver classic along with thousands of U.S. fans at Seattle Stadium. It was an incredibly special moment for the team and a passionate fan base longing to rally behind a winner.
Litman: The U.S. has scored goals within the first 11 minutes of all three games thus far. Granted, the opening goal in each of the first two games were own goals, but they were forced by the Americans’ pressure. Continuing that pace will be key to setting the tone in the knockout stages.
(Photo by Andrew J. Clark/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images)
Sciaretta: Let’s face it. Until June, Ream hadn’t had a good 2026 for Charlotte or the U.S. national team. Many, including myself, believed he had lost his battle with Father Time at the worst possible moment. But in the first two games, he was very good. Ream is one of those rare examples of players who don’t truly peak until well after the age of 30. Whether he can hang on another few weeks is another question.
(Photo by Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Sciaretta: The U.S. has only won one World Cup knockout in its history, and that was 24 years ago in the middle of the night against Mexico, a CONCACAF team it had beaten many times before. Winning a knockout on home soil against a European team in front of a massive television audience would be groundbreaking and an important chapter in team history.
Litman: Which U.S. team will we see? The one that galvanized a fan base in the first two matches, or the one that lacked cohesion against Türkiye? Granted, Mauricio Pochettino will roll with his first team lineup and the squad will be excited to play in the knockout stage, no doubt. But the group’s mentality and response after the loss will be something to watch.
McIntyre: Can Mauricio Pochettino finally beat a European opponent? He’s faced six since becoming U.S. coach in 2024 — and lost every single time.
(Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)
Sciaretta: Freese made no saves against Paraguay. He made two against Australia, and they were of moderate quality. If the U.S. team is going to make a run, he is going to have to make some big saves. He hasn’t had the opportunity yet, but it is coming — possibly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
