SEATTLE — The U.S. still has one World Cup Group D match left, but before Mauricio Pochettino’s merry men even arrive at SoFi Stadium next Thursday to face Türkiye, they will carry assurances of a place in the knockout stage.
Make no mistake: This is not normal.
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The Americans, who clinched first in their group after Türkiye’s 1-0 defeat against Paraguay on Friday night, are notorious for making things as difficult as possible before advancing to the next phase. Over the decades, they’ve had to sweat out results of other group matches and put their trust in Landon Donovan or Christian Pulisic meeting the dramatic moment.
But through the first two games of this momentum-building jamboree on home ground, they have flipped the narrative.
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Let’s look at some of the ways:
Most other U.S. teams have united before and during a World Cup, but players here describe a unique and unbreakable bond.
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“There’s something about this one that just feels different,” said Tim Ream, the 38-year-old captain who began his national team career in 2010. “As long as we continue to enjoy ourselves, we’re going to be in a place where we want to be.”
He continued by saying, “Just the different personalities, the way everybody meshes, the way everybody fits together, it’s really enjoyable, as the old man in the group, to be a part of it and to see all of that flourish.”
Chris Richards and Alex Zendejas of United States celebrate after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match against Australia at Seattle Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.
(Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
The camaraderie is playing out on the field for players that seem so connected. U.S. soccer has often been defined by its ability to grind out results — style points be damned.
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Known for hard work and a never-say-die attitude more than anything else, the U.S. is flashing something new and different and exciting.
Through two matches this World Cup, the Americans have performed with grace in the attack and resolve in defense. They are also having a helluva lot of fun.
They can win without Christian Pulisic
Pochettino told the team Friday morning that the star forward would not play against Australia. If this were a friendly, or even a CONCACAF tournament, it would not have made waves. But in a World Cup? Well, you could sense the anxiety as word spread among the masses streaming into Lumen Field.
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The U.S. will always miss a sidelined Pulisic. He is a dynamic presence who throws opponents off-balance and injects a level of skill that creates menace in the attack. And certainly Pulisic missing a match against Australia has fewer implications than against, say, France.
But in the first half Friday, the Americans didn’t miss a beat. They set the terms, generated quality chances through build-up play and, for the second match, forced an early own goal.
“The versatility of this team is insane, to be honest, because there’s guys that aren’t playing right now that can play a major role as well,” midfielder Tyler Adams said.
Pulisic will continue his rehab work next week at base camp in Irvine, California, but if he’s not at, or close to 100 percent by Thursday, Pochettino is not going to risk aggravating his condition and risking him missing the Round of 32.
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Friday’s performance proved this team can handle his absence in a high-pressure match.
Mauricio Pochettino is adaptable
The general consensus entering the Australia match was Pulisic’s absence would open a starting slot for Tim Weah, Brenden Aaronson or Sebastian Berhalter. Instead, Pochettino went with a second striker, Ricardo Pepi.
It worked. Pepi took pressure off partner Folarin Balogun and occupied defenders. He contributed to the high pressure that forced Australian giveaways. It was a different look, but the U.S. executed Pochettino’s modified plan.
Malik Tillman of the United States is fouled by Paul Okon-Engstler of Australia during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match at Seattle Stadium on June 19, 2026 in Seattle, Washington.
(Emilee Chinn via Getty Images)
Second goal buildup was crucial
The second goal was scored by Alex Freeman, but the whole situation would not have been possible without Malik Tillman moments earlier.
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Upright and then on his knees, Tillman fought for the ball near the end line, shielding it from defenders before drawing a foul. On the ensuing free kick, Antonee Robinson picked out Sergiño Dest for a deflected shot that Freeman headed into the net.
A natural attacking midfielder, Tillman has been a revelation as a link between the defense and the attack.
Defense still needs work
Although the U.S. recorded a shutout for the first time since September — and has conceded just one goal through two matches — the collective defense has had some unsettling moments in the first two matches.
Against better opponents, the Americans could pay the price.
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In desperation late in the match, Australia heaped on pressure that the U.S. struggled to alleviate. A two-goal lead offered little comfort as the Aussie opportunities grew.
The country is getting behind this team
The U.S. felt it at SoFi Stadium last week, but even more so in Seattle, where the passion for soccer is almost unmatched in this country.
“I am not American. After the game, I was emotional,” said Pochettino, a native of Argentina. “The fans were amazing … the warm reception in the way they support us and the way they celebrate the victory. The players were very emotional too. It was amazing and a perfect connection between the energy from the stands and the team.”
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After the match, Ream got emotional when the team gathered in a circle at midfield.
“I’m pretty good at keeping composure, and I have no idea what that was, to be completely honest,” he said of his tears. “We’ve obviously clinched a spot in Round of 32 and that kind of wave hits you.”
These wins were very nice, but greater goals await
It’s been 96 years since the U.S. last won two straight at a World Cup, but unless a quarterfinal is achieved — something the Americans have not done since 2002 — no one is going to celebrate.
“We kind of need to put a 24-hour rule on things,” Adams said. “Enjoy the moment. We’re going to have another day off. Enjoy your time with the families, disconnect a little bit, and then when it’s time to work, we have got to go back to work. … Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
