Mauricio Pochettino was hired to do something special with the #USMNT at this home World Cup, not simply advance or even win the group. With the knockout stage now here, we’ll soon see if the high-profile, high-priced coach can deliver. ⁦‪

Although a reserve-heavy #USMNT lost its final group stage game, the understudies’ second-half fight-back — plus the return of star attacker Christian Pulisic — bodes well for the Americans heading into the World Cup’s knockout stage:

We’re not yet through the group stage. There’s almost a month still to go. But so far, it’s probably more difficult to argue that this World Cup *hasn’t* been the best in the tournament’s 96-year history.

What could it possibly feel like for a Super Bowl champion to watch his son score a goal in a World Cup?” @lakenlitman.bsky.social with the most heartwarming #USMNT Father’s Day story:

This is an amazing World Cup.

On flight from Seattle back to Southern California… The World Cup is everywhere. It’s not just the USMNT. The event, the tournament, the soccer is captivating this country.

After clinching its World Cup group with a game to spare, #USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino has a rare opportunity to rest some key players — particularly the four carrying yellow cards — in Thursday’s first round finale against Türkiye. ⁦

While my esteemed colleagues were busy asking #USMNT players about their consequential World Cup win in Seattle, I pulled defender Chris Richards aside to get the lowdown on…a rubber chicken. Fun story (and an even better headline):

Mauricio Pochettino arrived on these shores known as one of soccer’s top coaches, but the knives came out for him before he’d led the #USMNT for a year. Two games into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it’s clear that the 54-year-old Argentine knew what he was doing all along. ⁦

"The atmosphere was incredible, one of those things you dream of.” Thoughts and reaction from #USMNT players after an unforgettable World Cup victory in Seattle. ⁦‪

#USMNT and Seattle Sounders great and Olympia, Wash. native Kasey Keller holding court before today’s match against Australia.

Perfect day for a ballgame in Seattle. #USMNT

Seattle’s first World Cup match involving the home team is now just hours away. But it’s been decades in the making. And the huge partisan crowd that’s expected could be the 12th man for the #USMNT against Australia.

Thierry Henry and #USMNT striker Folarin Balogun go way back. But the American was so inundated with well-wishes after scoring twice in his World Cup debut that didn’t even see the DM he got from the friend and soccer legend that he has always considered a “role model.”

The quality of World Cup pitches was a major concern after some of soccer’s biggest stars blasted the surfaces at NFL stadiums over the past two summers. Turns out those fears were unfounded. “That’s probably the best field I've ever played on in the States.” ⁦‪#USMNT

With two goals against Paraguay in his World Cup debut, Folarin Balogun introduced himself to millions of new #USMNT fans on Friday night. What should they know about him? “Representing my country gives me the most pleasure…I want to give back, because America has shown so much faith in me.” ⁦‪

Before their World Cup opener against Paraguay, #USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino told his players to play free, without pressure, like they did as kids. On the distinctly “pickup ball” feel of the Americans’ resounding, pulsating 4-1 win. ‬

The day after setting the World Cup on fire with a 4-1 demolition of Paraguay, the focus of the #USMNT players remains unchanged. “We're going to get right back to work…there's still so much more we want to accomplish in this tournament.” ⁦‪ www.foxsports.com/stories/socc...

Gio Reyna just said his wife, Chloe, is pregnant. Seriously. He'd been waiting for the right moment to announce it, and decided this — a goal in the World Cup opener — was it.

Christian Pulisic after being pulled at halftime of the #USMNT ’s 4-1 win: “I just got a bit of a kick in the first half, so I'm really hoping that it's nothing. Taking a little bit of precaution today, but I'm hoping I'll be fine the next few days.”

Beautiful. #USMNT

For a #USMNT with just one clean sheet in its last 14 games, Chris Richards return for Friday’s World Cup opener is a godsend. “To go deep, their spine must be strong. He makes that back line a little bit more solid and secure.” www.foxsports.com/stories/socc...

Landon Donovan's other team is Mexico. That's what the shocking scarf said in 2018, and, he told me as he prepares to call El Tri's group stage opener for Fox, it's still true thanks to his upbringing. "I knew Necaxa before I knew Manchester United." www.usatoday.com/story/sports...

#USMNT defender Chris Richards on his availability for the World Cup co-hosts’ tournament opener against Paraguay on Friday. “I feel good. I’m ready.”

At the last World Cup, Matt Turner was the undisputed No. 1 keeper for the #USMNT. Matt Freese is the expected starter this time. But things can change quickly on the biggest stage:

Public friction between members of the #USMNT World Cup squad and some of the program’s greats erupted over the last year, but the idea that the alumni doesn’t support their successors is false. “I know these guys will step up.”

For decades, World Cup goals have been hard to come by for the #USMNT. That could change this summer, thanks in part to the three prolific and in-form strikers on Mauricio Pochettino’s squad:

The games that matter are finally here, and the #USMNT feels ready following Saturday’s narrow defeat against mighty Germany. "We’re gonna face teams like this in the World Cup…we've had good performances, but we still want to win these games."

“We're creating a high volume of chances right now, which I think is a really good sign…it’s just a matter of time before they start going in.” Thoughts and postgame reaction from Chicago following the #USMNT’s final pre-World Cup tuneup:

With the iconic #USMNT 1994 World Cup squad being honored before today’s sendoff match in Chicago, there’s no better time to read my oral history of that summer — and how it paved the way for everything that’s happened since.

The tunnel out of the #USMNT locker room, with messages from fans:

Add Chris Richards and subtract Miles Robinson and surely that’s #USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino’s lineup for the World Cup opener Friday against Paraguay.

With momentum building but minus key defender Chris Richards, the #USMNT is ready for Saturday’s World Cup sendoff match against four-time champion Germany:

#USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino says Chris Richards (ankle) is recovering but will not be available to play tomorrow against Germany in Chicago.

Christian Pulisic breaks out in a big way but defensive concerns remain. A few quick thoughts on Sunday’s wildly entertaining 3-2 victory over African powerhouse Senegal for the #USMNT

The #USMNT and Senegal have agreed, per FIFA rules, to use the maximum of up to 11 substitutes each in today’s World Cup tuneup in Charlotte.

Turner, McKenzie, Berhalter, Reyna and Pepi all start for the #USMNT today vs. Senegal.

Mauricio Pochettino's MD-1 presser pre USMNT-Senegal underway; opens with confirmation, in his club's home stadium, that Tim Ream is captain. With one caveat: "Playing or no playing, he's the captain. It's not [that] now he's the captain, is going to be surely in the starting 11 -doesn't mean that"

There’s rarely a correlation between how a team does in the games leading up to a World Cup and at the main event itself. That doesn’t mean the #USMNT wouldn’t benefit mightily from a dub in Sunday’s World Cup tuneup vs. powerful Senegal.

Later today, the United States men's national team plays the first of its two final tune-up games ahead of the World Cup. My new book, THE LONG GAME, tells the story of this weird program and its bizarre history, and how this unprecedently talented and pedigreed team came together. Buy it here!

There’s rarely a correlation between how a team does in the games leading up to a World Cup and at the main event itself. That doesn’t mean the #USMNT wouldn’t benefit mightily from a dub in Sunday’s World Cup tuneup vs. powerful Senegal.

Star #USMNT defender Chris Richards won’t travel for Sunday’s World Cup tuneup against Senegal, per coach Mauricio Pochettino. Will Richards be ready for the main event? “It’s too early…the next few days are going to be key.”

Chris Richards (ankle injury) won’t travel to Charlotte with #USMNT to Charlotte today for tomorrow’s World Cup tuneup against Senegal, Pochettino says. He’ll remain at the training facility outside Atlanta and do rehab instead.

Tim Ream will captain the #USMNT at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coach Mauricio Pochettino announces.

With the biggest spectacle in sports just two weeks away, #USMNT fans are understandably worried about Christian Pulisic’s career-worst scoring slump. Coach Mauricio Pochettino doesn’t share their concerns:

On Thursday morning, U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson addressed reports that World Cup coach Mauricio Pochettino interviewed with seven-time European champion AC Milan about their vacant managerial position:

“It’s his time.” Spoke to Gregg Berhalter, #USMNT coach at Qatar 2022, about his son Sebastian making Mauricio Pochettino’s 26-player roster for the 2026 World Cup.

What’s the feeling when your World Cup dreams come true? “I couldn’t believe it. I was super shocked and grateful.” Full reaction from #USMNT players and coach Mauricio Pochettino following Tuesday’s gala roster unveiling in New York City.

Per multiple sources, #USMNT prospect Zavier Gozo is on the extended, pre-World Cup squad of up to 55 players. Will the 19-year-old make the final 26? Here’s what I’m hearing on the eve of Mauricio Pochettino’s roster cull: www.foxsports.com/stories/socc...