The United States men’s national team has usually needed the third group-stage game to advance in the FIFA World Cup.
In 2010, a late Landon Donovan goal against Algeria sent the USMNT through. In 2014, after a win and draw, even a 1-0 loss against Germany did the trick. In 2022, after a pair of draws, a 1-0 win over Iran paved the way into the Round of 16.
Things are much different this time around.
Heading into Thursday’s Group D finale against Türkiye, the USMNT is not only already guaranteed a spot in the Round of 32, but has done so as winners of the group. With the 48-team tournament, there is an additional round of knockout matches.
The USMNT won the group after opening wins against Paraguay (4-1) and Australia (2-0). Now, they’re face with a chance to do something no U.S. team has ever done: Sweep through the group stage.
The final challenge is a Türkiye side that has already been eliminated and one that has been shut out in its first two games.
“I think we need to keep believing and approaching every single day that we were approaching from day one,” USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino said after Friday’s win against Australia. “Believing that we can win. Knowing that we need to work really hard, but in the same time enjoying the time together, building every day our journey.
“We need to work hard, we need to be responsible, we need to have discipline, keep being tough with ourself, to push to be better, every day and not to be relaxed.”
The USMNT will play its Round of 32 match July 1 in Santa Clara. With a win, it would advance to the Round of 16 on July 6 in Seattle. If the U.S. squad can reach the quarterfinals, the game would be played July 10 in Inglewood.
However, there’s a lot of work still to be done and if there was ever a “take things one game at a time” tournament, it would be the World Cup. Still, that hasn’t stopped supporters from running through all simulations of who could be in the USMNT’s path in the knockout rounds.
The USMNT has gone out of the tournament in the Round of 16 in their last three trips (2010, 2014 and 2022). In the 32-team format, the USMNT’s high mark remains its quarterfinal run in 2002.
“I’ve always used 2002 as a barometer,” former USMNT goalkeeper Tony Meola said on the CBS Sports “Call It What You Want” podcast Tuesday. “When we reached the quarterfinals in 2002, we were close, we competed. On another night, maybe you’re in the semifinals. I’ve said this time and time again. Last World Cup, I said the same thing, quarterfinals was the barometer for me …. because I think that’s where you want to be competing at the World Cup.
“Does it mean you’re going to win the World Cup? It means it gives yourself a chance to pull something off, pull a miracle off if you have to against some huge nation. I think this team has shown that they don’t care who they’re playing right now and they’re going to compete, which is a great quality. I think they’ve given us hope for higher expectations.”
Meola was a member of three World Cup teams, all having a place in USMNT history. The 1990 team was the first to qualify after a 40-year absence, followed by the 1994 team that was the first to play in a home World Cup and finally the 2002 club, which advanced to the quarterfinals.
The question facing the team Thursday is how much, if any, roster rotation Mauricio Pochettino will unveil. Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun, Chris Richards and Antonee Robinson all have yellow cards. The next one, if it comes Thursday, would result in a one-game suspension.
For Balogun, it doesn’t matter who is on the field – the result and effort will be the same.
“There’s definitely a belief we have within ourselves and I feel like there’s up to maybe 15, 20 guys who would put their life on the line for a win, for a result, to block a goal. And when you have that sort of mentality, I feel like you’re always gonna give yourself the best cards,” Balogun said. “That’s rare, to be honest.”
Pulisic deems himself ready
The other big question facing Pochettino is whether Christian Pulisic should see action.
Pulisic was subbed out at halftime of the opener against Paraguay due to a calf injury and missed the game against Australia. He sat out of team training ahead of the Australia game, but finally returned this week.
The star attacker told reporters Wednesday that’s he ready.
“I’m feeling great, the team’s feeling great,” Pulisic told Fox Sports. “I’ve been able to join the team in the last few days, I’m feeling healthy and I’m ready to go for this game.”
If he sits out, it will end up being nearly three weeks in between live action.
FIFA WORLD CUP
Who: United States vs. Türkiye (Group D)
When: 7 p.m. Thursday
Where: Inglewood
TV: FOX (Ch. 11)