6 reasons why the United States national team looks stronger in the 2026 World Cup

When the US national team crushed Paraguay 4-1 in their World Cup opener, it was their best performance since a 5-1 victory over Uruguay in November. However, to only look at competitive matches, we have to go back years to find a strong performance like this. What's puzzling is that the US team looked far from ready to compete last March, when it lost badly in friendlies to Belgium and Portugal. So what changed? Why was the team able to play better now compared to March? What did coach Mauricio Pochettino do differently? Well, we have to remember that we can't rush it, this was just one good game, specifically one half in this tournament. In a World Cup, a good team start doesn't guarantee anything. Just ask Saudi Arabia after their victory over Argentina in their first match of 2022. However, there is a lot of enthusiasm, optimism and energy surrounding the US national team right now, and that is a good thing. Here are some points that show how much better the team has become compared to three months ago.

1. Tyler Adams returns
   Tyler Adams is arguably the most important player to the US team's success. He has no reliable alternative, and if he is not on the pitch, the team must change its entire tactical approach. Adams was not on the March roster due to injury, and his impact was evident. What Adams does is protect the defence, cover a lot of ground defensively, and doesn't make a lot of mistakes with the ball. His passing is usually not ambitious, but he provides great comfort to the players in front of him. Over the course of his career, Adams has faced injuries, but he usually comes back in time. He was injured in the friendlies in March, but finished the season strongly for AFC Bournemouth, helping the team qualify for a European league for the first time. When he arrived at the World Cup camp, he was in great shape. Against Paraguay, OLARIN Balogun and Christian Pulisic got a lot of attention, but Adams had a big role in Paraguay's difficulty getting into the final third.

2. Tim Ream and Chris Richards provide a higher level of passing
   Passing from the back line was crucial in breaking down Paraguay's midfield. Chris Richards was 100% accurate with his passes, while Tim Ream was more effective with his passes from long distance. The 38-year-old captain made 102 touches, and many of the team's dangerous attacks were started through him. Ream and Richards have been playing together as central defenders whenever healthy since Pochettino's appointment.

3. Alex Freeman continues to grow
   A year ago, Alex Freeman was in the middle of his first season as a starting defender with Orlando City. Now, in June 2026, he is playing for Villarreal as a rookie in the World Cup. His development in 12 months has been amazing.

4. Serginho Dest plays as a dangerous winger
   Serginho Dest plays as a full-back for PSV Eindhoven, where he has great attacking talent. With the World Cup approaching, Pochettino has shifted Dest into a role that requires fewer defensive responsibilities and greater attacking freedom.

5. Weston McKinney and Malik Tillman get stronger roles
   Malik Tillman is often viewed as a playmaker, while Weston McKennie is considered the most versatile player on the team.

6. Getting the ball to Folarin Balogun
   With Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepe, and Hagi Wright on board, Pochettino has the best attacking trio the US team has ever brought to a World Cup.

The US national team appears to have taken positive steps towards a strong showing at the 2026 World Cup, raising fans' hopes for great success.

---

Related Articles

2. Trudne warunki reprezentacji Iranu na Mistrzostwach Świata 2026