US players confident in World Cup run after winning two matches
The Guardian Sport • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 1:00 PM
Last updated Jun 21, 2026
The United States men's national team has won its first two World Cup matches, securing top position in Group D and advancing to the knockout stage with one game remaining. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino and players express strong belief in their ability to win the tournament, receiving support from figures like Zlatan Ibrahimovic. With their current form and positive mindset, the team aims to perform at a higher level as they move deeper into the competition.
- •US team won its opening two World Cup matches
- •Secured top spot in Group D
- •Mauricio Pochettino emphasizes team's potential
- •Players and pundits believe in their chances
- •Next match will determine knockout round positioning
- 1:00 PMThe Guardian Sport — Some US players believe they can win the World Cup. Are they deluded?
- 1:00 PMYahoo Sports — Some US players believe they can win the World Cup. Are they deluded?
"Mauricio Pochettino’s players have got off to a scorching start to the tournament. Going all the way will require the team reaching a whole new level though The United States can win the World Cup. The US players say so. So does Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Because you are a smart Guardian reader, you know that, theoretically, any team who are not yet eliminated can win the World Cup. And you know that this US team have won their opening two World Cup games convincingly, securing top spot in Group D and a place in the knockout round with a game to spare. Making the World Cup final, and winning it, is in the realm of possibility. But will they? Within the team, there has been belief they can go all the way for some time. US head coach Mauricio Pochettino laid down the marker in his opening press conference, and has stuck to his belief. His players have followed suit. But now, even famous pundits with outsized egos are saying the US can shock the world and capture the men’s World Cup for the first time on home soil. Continue reading...
"Mauricio Pochettino’s players have got off to a scorching start to the tournament. Going all the way will require the team reaching a whole new level
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportJun 21, 2026, 1:00 PMSome US players believe they can win the World Cup. Are they deluded?
Mauricio Pochettino’s players have got off to a scorching start to the tournament. Going all the way will require the team reaching a whole new level though The United States can win the World Cup. The US players say so. So does Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Because you are a smart Guardian reader, you know that, theoretically, any team who are not yet eliminated can win the World Cup. And you know that this US team have won their opening two World Cup games convincingly, securing top spot in Group D and a place in the knockout round with a game to spare. Making the World Cup final, and winning it, is in the realm of possibility. But will they? Within the team, there has been belief they can go all the way for some time. US head coach Mauricio Pochettino laid down the marker in his opening press conference, and has stuck to his belief. His players have followed suit. But now, even famous pundits with outsized egos are saying the US can shock the world and capture the men’s World Cup for the first time on home soil. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsJun 21, 2026, 1:00 PMSome US players believe they can win the World Cup. Are they deluded?
Mauricio Pochettino’s players have got off to a scorching start to the tournament. Going all the way will require the team reaching a whole new level
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