What To Expect From The USMNT In The World Cup

BusinessSportsMoneyWhat To Expect From The USMNT In The World CupByMichael Lewis,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. U.S. men's national team and soccerFollow AuthorJun 11, 2026, 09:16am EDTCHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 06: Players of United States pose for a team photograph prior to the international friendly match between United States and Germany at Soldier Field on June 06, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images)Getty ImagesIt's finally here.The U.S. Men's National Team kicks off the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. on Friday, June 12 at 9 p.m. ET.The Americans' goal is to reach the knockout round. The better they place in Group D, the less the difficulty of an opponent, at least on paper.Reaching the quarterfinals would be considered a reachable goal and an achievement. The U.S.'s best performances included reaching the semifinals at the first World Cup in Uruguay in 1930 (when only 13 teams participated) and the quarterfinals in 2002.Irvine, CA - June 08: USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino waves to fans in attendance during an open practice ahead of the World Cup in Great Park Sports Complex on Monday, June 8, 2026 in Irvine, CA. (Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesUSMNT's Group D schedule* Friday, June 12 - Vs. Paraguay, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif. 9 p.m. ET* Friday, June 19 - Vs. Australia, Lumen Field, Seattle, Wash., 3 p.m. ET* Thursday, June 25, Vs. Türkiye, SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, Calif., 10 p.m. ETMORE FOR YOUThe U.S. is quite familiar with their three foes, having played them on home soil in 2025. The Americans dropped a 2-1 decision to Türkiye in East Hartford, Conn. on June 7. They also recorded a 2-1 win over Australia in Commerce City, Colo., on Oct. 14 and a 2-1 victory over Paraguay in Chester, Pa. on Nov. 15.ForbesHow To Watch The FIFA World Cup, In...