USMNT, Mexico, Canada exceed World Cup expectations as hosts advance | OneFootball

All three World Cup 2026 hosts have silenced their critics. The United States and Mexico are through to the knockout stage unbeaten, while Canada secured its first-ever World Cup victory and remains in a strong position to advance from the group stage.

The turnaround is remarkable given the pre-tournament concerns. The USMNT entered after an unstable cycle marked by coaching changes, roster upheaval, and disappointing results, including a Nations League final loss to Mexico and defeats to Panama. Mexico brought back Javier Aguirre for his third stint as national team coach, with Rafa Márquez set to take over post-tournament, but faced questions after losing veterans like Hirving Lozano, Rogelio Funes Mori, Andrés Guardado, and Héctor Herrera.

Canada arrived with perhaps the most optimism, boasting a talented generation and a coach with European experience committed to aggressive, proactive football. Still, their inexperience in the World Cup raised doubts about whether they could handle the pressure.

USMNT emerges as the most serious threat

Among the three hosts, the United States appears best positioned for a deep tournament run. Under Mauricio Pochettino, they've played some of the World Cup's most impressive football through the group stage. The squad's depth is superior to that of their co-hosts, and, crucially, the team seems to have found its optimal tactical setup.

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - Folarin Balogun for the United States in Seattle against Australia (Celso Oliveira / Pitchside US)

The challenge now shifts to maintaining this form in the knockout rounds, where margins disappear. All three CONCACAF sides will need to prove they can compete with elite opposition if they hope to advance beyond the round of 16. For teams that entered with serious questions, though, simply reaching this point already represents significant progress.