@theworldcupguy

2mo

How Far Can The USMNT Go?

The ceiling and floor for the United States men's national soccer team at the FIFA World Cup comes down to consistency, draw, and whether their young core clicks at the right time. Ceiling: Quarterfinals, with a real outside shot at a semifinal run. This group—led by players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams—has enough talent and European experience to beat strong teams on their day. With home support in 2026, momentum could carry them past a traditional power if things break right. Floor: Group stage exit. If finishing and chance creation stall (a recurring issue), or if defensive lapses show up against clinical teams, they could struggle to get results. In a tough group, one bad loss can snowball quickly. Most realistic outcome: Round of 16. That’s where the US has consistently landed in modern tournaments, and it reflects both their growth and current limitations.

United States

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United We Advance

With Paraguay’s victory over Turkey, the United States officially finish on top of Group D and punch their ticket to the knockout stage just 9 days in. The Americans opened the tournament with back-to-back victories, matching a feat not accomplished by a U.S. men's national team in 96 years. The last time it happened was the 1930 World Cup in Uruguay, where the United States defeated Belgium and Paraguay en route to a third-place finish. The energy and momentum surrounding this team is starting to feel like something special is brewing on home soil. To be continued....

@Landon

One Nation United

The Untied State is home to freedom, guns, Rednecks, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As an American myself I'm so happy that we are hosting this event. My expectations are the round of 32. I can 100% see this team falling apart and getting grouped but I still have faith! The last time the US held the World Cup was In 1994 where we saw the boys in blue get to the round of 16. The team this year is quite different with talent across Europe including USMNT golden boy Christian Pulisic. They also have some players from the Premier League including Antonee Robinson Fulham, Chirs Richards Crystal Palace, Tyler Adams AFC Bournemouth, and Brenden Aarronson Leeds UTD. They have Weston McKennie from Juventus which plays great football (soccer) over in Italy. They also have seven MLS players including 37 year old Tim Ream from Charlotte FC. The defense and finishing is going to be an issue for the US. When you start a 37 year old at center back your going to have some weak points. Im not hating on Ream he's on my Charlotte FC and I love having him. But going from the MLS to playing against the best players and teams in the world, yea thats a jump. The goal scoring is also a problem. Most of the United States is relying on Christian Pulisic to have a 10 goal tournament. Again, no hate to big P but he's a guy that comes off the bench for a 5th place seriesA team. Im not a Diego Luna glazer or anything but the fact that Cristian Roldan got in over him is crazy. I understand that Roldan is a favorite among the staff and team but we need a player with some dog in him, some swag. Thats what Luna brings. As the colonies united in 1776 we have to unite June 12th to cheer on America! Whether the US gets grouped or goes on a magical run and the team ends up at the white house I'll be chanting "USA all the way." What do you think the United States can accomplish?

@FlameRaptorRaven

Iraq repeats Infamy

This one hurts because I have a soft spot for the Lions of Mesopotamia, however, with their 5-0 loss to Senegal, they have officially thrown their hat into the ring for worst World Cup performance ever. 3 losses, 1 goal for, 12 goals against and -11 goal differential I mentioned in the Tunisia did you know that 9 teams have ended a World Cup with a goal differential of -10 or worse. Well, before today, only 5 teams had ever ended a World Cup with a goal differential of -11 or worse. Iraq is now the 6th. Which World Cup is most like Iraq’s 2026? Believe it or not, North Korea 2010: 3 losses, 1 goal for, 12 goals against and a -11 goal differential The comparison is even more striking when you realize North Korea was in the group of death back in 2010 alongside Brazil, Portugal and Ivory Coast. However, North Korea’s run was more humiliating than Iraq. After narrowly losing to an over-the-hill, but still daunting Brazil team 2-1, North Korea had an idea. Clearly feeling supremely confident in their squad, they broadcasted their 2nd game on local TV networks for the whole nation to see. They cut the broadcast in the 60th minute because North Korea was losing 4-0 to Portugal. The North Koreans went on to lose 7-0 and their government claimed the loss was acceptable considering Portugal’s talent (they did not mention that they lost 7-0). North Korea did not broadcast the last game against Ivory Coast, which they lost 3-0. Yes, 2026 Iraq put together one of the 10 worst World Cup campaigns ever, but they didn’t humiliate themselves. Hopefully they’ll be back in 4 years to make up for it. Ideally not in the group of death.