USMNT redefining World Cup expectations — 'There's something about this one that feels different'

The U.S. Men's National Team has advanced to the knockout round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, generating significant optimism around their campaign. Writing from Seattle on June 20, 2026, contributor Steven Goff reports that the USMNT still has one Group D match remaining under manager Mauricio Pochettino. The team's performance has created a sense that this World Cup run feels meaningfully different from previous U.S. efforts.