USA

The United States men's national football team, nicknamed the "Stars and Stripes", is ranked 16th in the FIFA world rankings. As one of the co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, there is no need to go through the brutal qualifying rounds to qualify directly. This is not only their 12th time participating in the World Cup, but also the most landmark battle in the team's history. For American football, this local World Cup is the best stage to show the world the rise of its football. The goal is to break through history and enter the quarterfinals. The best record in history is the third place in the first World Cup in 1930. In the modern football era, the team's highest moment was the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan, when they defeated Portugal, eliminated Mexico, and successfully entered the quarterfinals. In recent years, American football talents have emerged in large numbers and have gradually become a frequent visitor to the World Cup. This season is coached by the famous Argentinian coach Mauricio Pochettino, who will take office in September 2024. He is good at creating a high-pressing + quick counterattack system, focusing on 3-4-3 flexible formation changes. The lineup is young and luxurious, with an average age of 24.5 years old and a total worth of over 400 million euros. The core players all play in top European leagues. But I lack experience in competitions. The World Cup is in the same group as Turkey, Australia, and Paraguay. Although it has home court advantage and a luxurious offensive line, defensive injuries and uncertainty about the goalkeeper position are the team's biggest hidden dangers. In Group D, the United States will face Paraguay, Australia and the winner of the European play-offs. For this young team, qualifying in the group is the bottom line, and whether they can create history in front of their home crowd will depend on whether they can overcome the pressure and turn their talent into victory.