After 2 wins in 2 matches, the US feels something 'very special' in the World Cup
June 20, 2026 · Global
The US men's national team has secured a place in the last 32 of the World Cup after beating Australia 2-0, marking a historic achievement for the team.
SEATTLE STADIUM — Mauricio Pochettino leads the excited crowd in chants of "USA!" Tim Ream shared a warm hug with members of the coaching staff. Christian Pulisic joined fans in singing "Take Me Home, Country Roads" as he lapped the pitch with his team-mates. The US men's national team beat Australia 2-0 on Friday in their second World Cup match, booking a spot in the round of 32. With this win, the Americans made history: never before had the program secured a spot in the knockout rounds after just two group-phase games. This win also marked the team's first clean sheet after nine matches, a streak that has lasted since last September. After years of disappointment and months of uncertainty about how the group would come together ahead of the World Cup on home soil, the players sensed something extraordinary was brewing. "We were just having fun," captain Tim Ream told the media after the win. "We enjoy every moment together. Every goal, every block, every set play, everything we do is together. And that's how we create momentum." "We all come out and be ourselves and stick together," Ream added, "and that's something we've been trying to do for a long time — and now we're actually doing it. And it's been great to have the fans behind us and see all the reactions that have happened across the country when we've played, and we want to keep that going." The US is doing what they set out to do this summer. Of course, they've only played two games — the first was a crushing 4-1 win over Paraguay. A tougher test awaits, but the performances so far have been a spectacle to look forward to. The players, many of whom have been part of the national team for a long time, believe the atmosphere this time around feels different than before. “I've told the players that this is the most fun and special group I've ever been a part of — and I've been here a long time,” Ream said candidly. "That's not to say the other groups weren't special, or the other groups weren't fun, or the players weren't doing everything they could. But there was something about this one that felt different. The characters, the way everyone blended, the way everyone fit together was really fun, as the oldest in the group, to be a part of that and see all that flow." Ream is not someone who usually shows his emotions. However, he couldn't hide his feelings after the match when cameras caught him on the pitch in the team circle deeply affected by the moment. After that, he admitted he couldn't explain what had mastered him. “As everyone knows, I'm pretty good at keeping my cool, and I don't know what it is, to be honest,” Ream said. "And maybe that was everything. Now we've clearly secured a place in the last 32, and that wave hits you. Maybe the family in the stands can watch. It's a reminder of how much we all put into this and got rewarded for it. How much we train, work out, play, meet and spend time together. You end up being flooded with a million different thoughts." "I'm sure it won't be the last time during this tournament," he added. "I'm not an emotional person, but it moved me." What made America's performance even more impressive was that it came without their superstar Pulisic, who was ruled out before kickoff. The 27-year-old winger did not train fully all week due to a left calf injury. He contributed to the US's first two goals against Paraguay, but was taken off in the first half after being hit by a kick in the back of his leg. Ricardo Pepi replaced him in Pochettino's line-up which was no different from the first match. The US started with enthusiasm, scoring from an own goal forced by Folarin Balogun and Pepi in the 11th minute. Alex Freeman scored in the 43rd minute just before half-time from a set piece and was immediately mobbed by his team-mates after VAR confirmed he was not offside. “The versatility of this team is incredible, honestly,” Tyler Adams said matter-of-factly. "There are players who aren't playing right now but can play a big role. And it's a sign that others are playing well when others aren't getting the chance. That shows the group's willingness to step in. "There's a selfless attitude in the team, you know?" The players are probably trying to temper their enthusiasm and the excitement of winning on this stage — it's still too early in this World Cup. They'll finish the group stage on Thursday, June 25 against Türkiye back in Los Angeles. The team is aware of the support that is spreading across the country. The players are getting encouragement from the crowd at home, plus they're all on social media and can see the buzz they're generating But as Balogun said, “I'm just focused on the prize.” Adams agreed. And I think this is one of those things where you really need to appreciate the moment that you're in right now. With that being said, let's not get too ahead of ourselves. We have another important game against Türkiye, and in my head it's like, 'Do the job, focus on the next one, do the job, focus on the next one' until you don't have any more games to play." "I think we need to be fired up," he added. "But we have to apply the 24-hour rule to things. We have one more day off — enjoy time with the family, disconnect a little, and then when it's time to work, we have to get back to work."