The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) is set to begin its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Friday night in Los Angeles, where it will face Paraguay in front of what is expected to be a passionate home crowd.
With the United States serving as a co-host of the tournament for the first time since 1994, excitement and expectations surrounding the team have reached new heights.
In a gesture of support ahead of the opening match, U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with the squad and coaching staff, expressing confidence in their ability to make a deep run in the competition.
During a conversation with head coach Mauricio Pochettino, Trump praised the Argentine tactician as a "fantastic coach" and encouraged the players, telling them he believes they have a genuine opportunity to compete for the title.
The comments add to the growing optimism surrounding the American team, although history suggests the challenge ahead will not be an easy one.
The United States' best World Cup finish came in 1930, when the team placed third in the tournament's inaugural edition.
Since then, the Americans have reached the quarterfinals only once, during the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. In each of their last three World Cup appearances, the USMNT was eliminated in the Round of 16.
Trump has maintained a visible presence in the build-up to the tournament, working closely with Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA.
Their cooperation recently drew international attention after Trump received FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize, a decision that sparked debate among some football officials regarding the organization's political neutrality.
Meanwhile, preparations for the tournament have not been without controversy. Civil rights organization American Civil Liberties Union issued a travel advisory for visitors attending the World Cup in the United States, urging travelers to exercise caution and highlighting concerns about potential entry restrictions and other rights-related issues.
The advisory came after reports that some individuals connected to the tournament had encountered difficulties entering the country.
Despite the off-field discussions, the focus now turns to the pitch, where the United States hopes to capitalize on home support and begin its World Cup journey with a positive result against Paraguay.
With expectations rising and the spotlight firmly on the host nation, the opening match could set the tone for what the Americans hope will be a memorable tournament.
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