Make World Cup History, the USMNT First Has to Overcome It

Make World Cup History, the USMNT First Has to Overcome It spotlights the U.S. men’s national team’s next challenge after finishing first in Group D at home. U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino watched his side enter the last-16 phase following a 3-2 loss to Türkiye in a dead-rubber match on Thursday in Inglewood, California. Earlier, the USMNT had already secured its group place with back-to-back victories over Paraguay and Australia, winning by a combined 6-1 margin. With heavy rotation, the U.S. still traded goals before Türkiye’s winner in the 98th minute. Pochettino emphasized that the objective—topping the group—was achieved despite momentum concerns, while noting it sets up a “final” in the Round of 16 and offers players game minutes after the group stage.