The United States silenced any doubters about their readiness to host the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay on Saturday.
Three goals in a breathless first half were followed by a fourth from Gio Reyna in stoppage time, giving the hosts a perfect opening in Group D.
The occasion itself was laden with spectacle, featuring a Katy Perry performance and Hollywood star Tom Cruise among the crowd watching thousands of fans draped in stars and stripes.
Former USA goalkeeper Tony Meola, who appeared at three World Cups, believes this generation has genuinely arrived on the global stage of football.
“Now we are so much more established,” said Meola, who was part of the US squad at the 1990, 1994 and 2002 World Cups.
“We have players playing all round the world, we have an incredible league and have facilities the world is using right now. Those were a pipe dream a few years ago now we are a football nation.”
The margin of victory was historically significant, representing the first time since 1930 that the United States had won a World Cup match by three goals.
England great Ellen White was among those impressed watching the performance unfold on BBC Match of the Day.
“USA were unbelievable,” White said. “You talk about pressure but they grasped at it, they enjoyed it. They probably shocked the world with that performance.”
The Americans controlled possession for 71 percent of the first half, playing with an intensity and confidence that Paraguay simply could not handle throughout the opening 45 minutes.
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy highlighted the energy the crowd and the team fed off each other during that dominant opening spell.
“They look a really dangerous team, they look fit, they look sharp, they look hungry,” Murphy said. “When you are playing well the crowd get behind you. This is an intimidating stadium when the majority of the crowd are for you, that’s for sure.”
Much of the credit for the transformation in the team goes to Mauricio Pochettino, appointed as USA coach 20 months ago following a stint in charge of Tottenham, among other clubs.
The Argentine has instilled a high-pressing, attacking style and encouraged players to abandon the underdog mentality that had long defined American football ambitions.
“Why not us?” Pochettino said earlier this year. “We need to really believe that we can be there. We need to dream.”
Seventeen of his 26-man squad play in Europe’s top five leagues, with seven of those featuring in the Premier League, reflecting the significant depth of talent now available to the United States.
Ex-Wales defender Ashley Williams believes the squad has the quality to go deep into the tournament with expectation growing rapidly around the host nation.
“If things click with Pochettino and with a strong starting 11, I think United States can go far in this tournament on home soil,” Williams said. “They will be looking at this group and thinking they should top it.”
One note of concern emerged regarding Christian Pulisic, who was withdrawn at half time as a precaution after feeling something in his calf following a knock in training.
Folarin Balogun, who scored twice, also departed before the final whistle, and the USA’s attacking sharpness visibly decreased in the second period without the pair on the pitch.
“I hope it is not a big issue but when we finished the first half he could not work,” Pochettino said of Pulisic. “Hopefully not a big issue. Now I think is better and hopefully for the next game he will be available.”
Pochettino himself remained measured when asked whether the USA could be the tournament’s standout surprise package, insisting there is still a long way to go.
“I think we’ve had a good match but I think to be the upset of the World Cup we need to get to the semi-finals or the quarter-finals, then yes,” he said.
“We have to see if throughout the tournament we can be that pleasant surprise that other teams have been at World Cups.”
Next up for the United States are group stage fixtures against Turkey and Australia, with the belief now building across the country that this team is capable of something truly special.
