World Cup 2026

[JWags85]

They call themselves the Socceroos

I find it pretty hilarious the Australian media/social media "The US doesn't respect us/insult us" narrative to hype and motivate themselves that has been raging this past week.  From their legends like Harry Kewell, their captain Matthew Ryan, and others

  Especially since its all seemingly stemming from a silly comment from Mike Grella, who is a second (maybe third tier) commentator when it comes to US soccer coverage, much less globally or around the WC.  Its not like it was from Lalas or Donovan or Tim Howard, or a narrative that had been floating around for awhile.

[panda]

Pulisic ruled out against Australia this afternoon.  Hoping its further precautionary since the US will still be favored against the Aussies and are in a VERY likely position to advance given their opening result...and not bad flair up of a previous/existing injury.  He's had a fairly healthy 2026, so that gives me some optimism.

Pepi starting up top with Balogun will be interesting.  They played that kind of fluid pentagon/4-2-3-1 against Paraguay with Balogun on top and the midfield shifting and moving around depending on the runs from Dest or Tillman.  Now, I'd assume it will be more of a 2 up top, diamond in the middle (McKennie in the attacking CM role and Adams more deep lying) with Tillman and Dest on the wings outside of them?

Either way, I think it will still be an exciting/attacking formation and press.  Pepi wasn't great in limited time against either Paraguay or Germany, but he didn't really have much in terms of minutes to get going.  He was much better in the warm up against Senegal last month and the other significant USMNT minutes against Belgium in March.

That being said, he was absolutely SCORCHING for PSV to end the year.  6 goals in his last 5 matches, 2 of those matches were against Ajax and Twente (top 4 clubs in the Eredivisise this year) and he had a brace in another match against a top half club.  So I'm still high on him and hope he shows it today

I never thought poch would play them together but here we are. Pepi drops deeper into play while balogun likes to play off the back line. I think they'll link up well together allowing for play to flow down the channels. 3-1 USA

[JWags85]

Another incredible start for the US, not just the goal, but pressure, pace, and shape.  This is so damn fun to watch.  Which we never have been able to say since Poch was in charge before last week.

Also, maybe for the best that CP is on the bench.  Aussies are hacking the living hell out of the US, especially Adams, and it took 3 card worthy tackles to get a card.

[CreightonWarrior]

Packers are finally avenged at Lumen Field

[Juan Anderson's Mixtape]

Great first half.  Shout-out to our star player Own Goal for tying Landon Donovan's USMNT all-time record with 5 World Cup goals.

[JWags85]

Packers are finally avenged at Lumen Field

Sensational, well played.

I never thought poch would play them together but here we are. Pepi drops deeper into play while balogun likes to play off the back line. I think they'll link up well together allowing for play to flow down the channels. 3-1 USA

Now that we have a 3rd half of soccer at this WC, one with a completely different look absent the US's star, who was, regardless of how you feel about his reputation/performances/role, the total engine and catalyst for their relentless attack in the first match...I'm incredibly impressed with Pochettino.  And its kind of relieving and refreshing to realize, in retrospect, that he was messing around and experimenting A LOT that first year and change after got the job.  Additionally, he was placating MLS brass with call ups/roster placements, also a relief...assuming Robinson, Roldan, and Arfsten remain nailed to the bench.  Still worried with some of the depth in the midfield as I was when the roster was announced, but watching his formations and how he's shaped/shifted, I'm feeling more comfortable.

Would love to see Balo get another.  He's been one of the breakout players of the tourney so far and he's growing so much in confidence.  Would love to see him translate this into a move to one of the CL clubs in the Bundesliga or EPL (provided the fit is right)

[MuggsyB]

It's still 2-0???

I know it's ⚽️, but slam the freaking door. 

[CreightonWarrior]

Russell Crowe is way better of a coach than Berhalter.

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

Russell Crowe is way better of a coach than Berhalter.

LOL!
My wife was just showing my daughter photos of Russel Crow stating the exact same thing!

[MuggsyB]

So realistically what is our ceiling?  E8? 

[The Sultan]

So realistically what is our ceiling?  E8? 

If everything holds to form, assuming they win the group and win the R32 game, they would likely play Belgium in R16. They would have a punchers chance there.

Then they would likely play Spain in R8. That would likely be where it ends.

But there are a lot of games left to be played.

[MuggsyB]

If everything holds to form, assuming they win the group and win the R32 game, they would likely play Belgium in R16. They would have a punchers chance there.

Then they would likely play Spain in R8. That would likely be where it ends.

But there are a lot of games left to be played.

Ya....Spain is a problem. 

[MuggsyB]

Haiti should automatically advance as far as I'm concerned.  Haitian Epis is beyond elite. I make it twice a month.  We're talking about an explosion of flavor with prime-time versatility.  It's tremendous on eggs, seafood, as a marinade, or a salsa like dip with tostone chips, with beans and rice, soups, stews, on tacos, you name it.  The greatness of this very simple concoction cannot be overstated. 

# Pureed Green Gold

[panda]

Sensational, well played.

Now that we have a 3rd half of soccer at this WC, one with a completely different look absent the US's star, who was, regardless of how you feel about his reputation/performances/role, the total engine and catalyst for their relentless attack in the first match...I'm incredibly impressed with Pochettino.  And its kind of relieving and refreshing to realize, in retrospect, that he was messing around and experimenting A LOT that first year and change after got the job.  Additionally, he was placating MLS brass with call ups/roster placements, also a relief...assuming Robinson, Roldan, and Arfsten remain nailed to the bench.  Still worried with some of the depth in the midfield as I was when the roster was announced, but watching his formations and how he's shaped/shifted, I'm feeling more comfortable.

Would love to see Balo get another.  He's been one of the breakout players of the tourney so far and he's growing so much in confidence.  Would love to see him translate this into a move to one of the CL clubs in the Bundesliga or EPL (provided the fit is right)

Balo and freeman both breakout players. Pepi put in an absolute shift today. Barely touched the ball but never stopped running. Thought mckennie was awesome as well.

[Jay Bee]

Pepi put in an absolute shift today.

TMI

[Shaka Shart]

Was at the game, and man Seattle is putting on a good event. Immaculate vibes, all the fans seemed happy, even Australians hanging out after to watch the games and hang out in the nice weather.

Unbelievable experience, and security being a well oiled machine also helped

[wadesworld]

Was at the game, and man Seattle is putting on a good event. Immaculate vibes, all the fans seemed happy, even Australians hanging out after to watch the games and hang out in the nice weather.

Unbelievable experience, and security being a well oiled machine also helped

Hoping for the same in KC next week but the reports from the first game, at least from a transportation standpoint, and weather forecasts don't instill a lot of confidence in that.

[Its DJOver]

In terms of all time stupid moves, that Almiron one has to be up there. It was pointed out to anyone and everyone that this was a new point of emphasis, and you go and cover your mouth anyways.

[Pakuni]

Not to excuse Almiron, but that's quite likely the dumbest rule in sports.

[MU82]

Was at the game, and man Seattle is putting on a good event. Immaculate vibes, all the fans seemed happy, even Australians hanging out after to watch the games and hang out in the nice weather.

Unbelievable experience, and security being a well oiled machine also helped

You're welcome!

[The Sultan]

Hoping for the same in KC next week but the reports from the first game, at least from a transportation standpoint, and weather forecasts don't instill a lot of confidence in that.

Kansas City is fun and cool. Arrowhead is a dump and in a terrible location with sketchy transportation. If you are patient and give yourself enough time, you will be fine.

[MuggsyB]

What was the Australian coach bitching about?  It looked like a clear 2nd goal to me on replay.

[CreightonWarrior]

Was at the game, and man Seattle is putting on a good event. Immaculate vibes, all the fans seemed happy, even Australians hanging out after to watch the games and hang out in the nice weather.

Unbelievable experience, and security being a well oiled machine also helped

I wish we got more crowds noise from the broadcast but even on TV the place looked like it was rocking. World Cup is pretty much the only time I tune in and really just USA games but I wish I was there.

Credit to Fox they kept the broadcast on the stadium post match and the announcers kept their mouths shut while we got to enjoy listening to the stadium belt out Country Roads.

[TSmith34, Inc.]

Pepi put in an absolute shift today.

TMI

#thingsthatgetbeejayexcited

[The Sultan]

Telemundo has more of the crowd noise in its broadcasts. It is odd how muted the crowd noise is on Fox though.