Pochettino-led USMNT make history in World Cup Group Stage | OneFootball

By Jonathan Sigal

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 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 in the Round of 32, 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.

Pochettino Effect

The USMNT hired Pochettino in September 2024 with a clear mandate to perform at this summer's expanded World Cup.

So far, so good from the Argentine manager, whose résumé includes famed clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

Pochettino has found a consistent starting group that features New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese and Charlotte FC center back Tim Ream, deployed alongside European-based stars.

Most of all, the USMNT are inspiring the nation and allowing fans to dream of making a deep knockout run. Pochettino is feeling the love from supporters nationwide, too.

"Even if I am not American, after the game I was emotional because the atmosphere was amazing," Pochettino said.

"… If we want to achieve big things, we need the support of our fans. There were fans here in Seattle, but also around the country they are all supporting us. We feel that support and that energy. It's amazing for the team."

Why the 2026 World Cup feels different for USMNT