USMNT has already changed America forever as World Cup fever is cranked to 11

Mauricio Pochettino’s team rocked Seattle and took over another NFL stadium.

World Cup fever was cranked to 11 in the Pacific Northwest after more domination from one of the best squads in the biggest sports tournament of all time.

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USMNT dominates another match

It was USMNT 2 and Australia 0 on a bright, brilliant Friday at Lumen Field that ended with US Soccer in the Round of 32 with one more Group D match still to play.

The Socceroos were lucky it was that close — and Captain America didn’t even take the pitch.

Christian Pulisic was ruled out 90 minutes before kickoff due to a lingering calf injury.

Folarin Balogun, Alex Freeman and Seattle’s 12th man lifted USMNT even higher, bringing the 2026 World Cup to its early peak.

Pochettino’s squad isn’t just winning games and converting millions of new believers in the Summer of Soccer while get-in ticket prices reach $2,000.

USMNT is playing with supreme confidence and addicting speed, all while the former Chelsea, PSG and Tottenham coach revels in echoing ‘USA, USA, USA!’ chants.

Former MLS and Leeds player Mike Grella was blasted by Australia supporters for his ‘arrogance’ in insisting that the Socceroos had no chance vs the USA.

After 10 minutes, the bravado was the truth.

Balogun picks up with Pulisic out

Balogun made history in USMNT’s 4-1 World Cup-opening win vs Paraguay.

Against Australia, the smooth striker — who grew up in London and was accidentally born in the United States — again throttled the pitch and forced the action as USMNT was guaranteed a must-watch knockout match.

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An own goal from Cameron Burges followed, and it was 1-0 USMNT with the home of the Seattle Seahawks shaking in joyous support.

Australia struggled to breathe and rarely controlled possession in the first half.

Pochettino’s team rode the wave, with Antonee Robinson driving the ball, Sergino Dest delivering in Pulisic’s absence and USMNT completing 88 percent of its initial 216 passes.

Then a relentless goal from Freeman at 43 minutes survived a VAR review and ignited a teenage-like celebration from a team that has won its initial two contests by a combined 6-1.

World Cup fever reaches new height

All of the talk about overpriced tickets and potential travel chaos has been replaced by sold-out stadiums and thrilling matches, night after night in North America.

You’d have to be a total hater — or lack a human pulse — to not feel a surge of passion when watching USMNT electrify 65,000-plus match after match.

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Coming to America

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Everything is possible for Balogun and Co. right now and the best matches still await.

When will soccer became a major sport in America?

It’s been back-to-back dream matches for Pochettino and the USA, with proud fans chanting the Argentinian’s name.

All the red-and-white stripes are sparkling.

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All 104 games at the 2026 World Cup this summer will be live on talkSPORT, talkSPORT 2 and the talkSPORT app.