The U.S. Men’s National Team didn’t just win its first two World Cup matches. It dominated them in ways that show up deep in the stat sheet. And now, with Group D already locked up and a date with eliminated Türkiye on Thursday, the conversation has shifted from “Can they advance?” to “How far can this version of the USMNT go?”
The opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles was supposed to be a test. Instead it turned into a 4-1 statement. Folarin Balogun became the first American since Bert Patenaude in 1930 to score multiple goals in a single World Cup match. That’s not a typo. 96 years between multi-goal games for the U.S. at the World Cup. Balogun did it with two clinical finishes that had the home crowd roaring in Inglewood.
And then there’s Chris Richards. Coming off an injury that had fans nervous, the center back played 90 minutes and completed every single one of his 83 passes. 100 percent accuracy on 83 attempts. That’s not just good. That’s absurd for a center back under World Cup pressure. Richards looked like he was playing pickup with his buddies.
The Australia game was more of the same
Seattle sold out. The USMNT started fast again. And Richards kept spraying passes like a quarterback. His distribution stayed flawless, and the team’s control in the first half was so firm that Australia could barely breathe.
But the real story in that match was Alex Freeman. The kid has been on a rocket ship since breaking into the squad, and he added a historic headed goal that basically sealed the knockout berth. Freeman’s rise has been one of those rare cases where the hype actually undersells the player. He’s doing things that don’t make sense for someone his age on this stage.
The USMNT now sits atop Group D with six points. Paraguay and Australia are fighting for the second spot. Türkiye is already packing for home after losing both of its opening matches. Thursday’s group finale in Los Angeles is technically meaningless for the Americans, but that doesn’t mean it’s useless.
Expect rotation. Christian Pulisic might get rest. Balogun could sit. The coaching staff has already hinted at giving minutes to guys who haven’t seen the field yet. That’s the luxury of being undefeated and already through.
But here’s the thing. This USMNT hasn’t just won. It has played like a team that belongs. The possession numbers are solid. The passing accuracy numbers are elite. And the goals are coming from multiple sources, not just one guy carrying the load.
Türkiye on Thursday is a tune-up, sure. But it’s also a chance for this group to build even more momentum heading into the knockout rounds. The last time the U.S. looked this dangerous in the group stage, people started believing in something real.
This team might be giving them reasons to believe again.
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