It’s fair to say all the host nations are doing their bit to build excitement in their countries for the 2026 World Cup, with all three teams – Canada, Mexico and the United States – winning their second group games.

Canada smashed Qatar 6-0 to claim their first-ever win, and leave Jesse Marsch rather excited, while Mexico made it two wins from two with a narrow 1-0 victory over South Korea. The US then took on Australia in their match and were brilliant in the first half, scoring twice.

Fine work from Folarin Balogun forced an own goal in off Cameron Burgess after just 11 minutes for the opener, before Alex Freeman then doubled the home team’s lead. In the end, that was enough to see the USMNT walk away with a 2-0 win.

Zlatan Makes Bold US World Cup Claim

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With two wins from two, giving them the maximum six points, Mauricio Pochettino’s side have already made it into the next round of the competition. As they aim to go far into the World Cup, iconic former player and TV pundit for the tournament, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was asked for his thoughts on the USMNT’s chances.

Fox Sport host Rebecca Lowe asked, “Zlatan, I want one word from you. Can the US win this World Cup, yes or no?” Ibrahimovic had no doubt in his mind when he replied:

Later on, he then provided a little more insight into why he feels aa though the US could stun the footballing world and go all the way this summer, adding:

USMNT Potentially Have Winable Run of Fixtures Leading to Semi-Finals

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While they finished third at the 1930 World Cup, their best finish since was a quarter-final run in 2002. With that in mind, some will think Ibrahimovic has been a little bold with his comment.

That said, there are plenty of reasons for the US to be hopeful of going deep into the competition this year. With the home crowd on their side, their performances have been very promising, and they cruised past Australia – who beat Turkey 2-0 in their first game – without star player Christian Pulisic, who was absent with an injury.

What’s more, their path through the competition has emerged, and it looks as though the US could have a kind run all the way up until the semi-finals. Indeed, as things stand, the USA would face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. A victory there would set up a last-16 tie against either New Zealand or the Czech Republic.

If Pochettino’s side can make it through those games – which are both very winable on paper – they could then meet France in the semis. This would be a tough ask, with the French runners-up in 2022 and champions in 2018, but a spot in the final would await if they could do the previously unthinkable.

USA’s possible opponents for the remainder of the 2026 World Cup have been mapped out after Mauricio Pochettino’s side made a barnstorming start to the tournament. A 4-1 win over Paraguay in their opener set the tone, while Friday night’s 2-0 victory over Australia saw them achieve something they had not managed at football’s showpiece event since 1930 – winning back-to-back matches.

Folarin Balogun, Malik Tillman, and Sergino Dest have been among the standout performers so far, and the Stars and Stripes now need just a draw against Türkiye in their final group game to book their place in the Round of 32 as group winners. In many ways, they have already gone a long way towards proving they are far more of a footballing nation than many outsiders ever gave them credit for.

What’s more, a glance at the USA’s potential route through the knockout stages is only likely to fuel the growing belief around the camp. Confidence is understandably high after such an impressive start, and some supporters are already daring to dream after the performance of one star this weekend.

While there is still a long road ahead and plenty of twists and turns to come, the draw appears to have opened the door for Pochettino’s side to make a deep run and potentially make history if they can keep this momentum rolling.

USA’s Current 2026 World Cup Knockout Route

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As things stand, the USA would face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 – a side that needed penalties twice to come through qualifying. Given the form Pochettino’s men have shown so far, they will be confident of overcoming a nation currently ranked 64th in FIFA’s World Rankings.

Victory there would set up a last-16 tie against either New Zealand or the Czech Republic, according to the BBC’s live knockout bracket updater. On paper, neither presents an insurmountable obstacle, offering a realistic chance of progressing even further.

The draw remains relatively kind beyond that, too. As it stands, Uruguay are the highest-ranked team they could face in the quarter-finals, unless Ghana, Austria, or tournament debutants DR Congo can spring a surprise and eliminate the two-time world champions beforehand.

A place in the semi-finals would mark the USA’s best World Cup finish since 1930, when they reached the final four and eventually placed third. That alone would represent a major achievement, although a meeting with one of Brazil, Germany, Norway, the Netherlands, or Morocco would almost certainly be the end of a fairytale run-in.

USA Have Been At Their Free-Flowing Best On Home Soil

Of course, some perspective is required given the USA are yet to face a traditional footballing powerhouse. Even so, much of their early success – which has helped generate a real feel-good factor around the host nation – stems from Pochettino allowing his players to play with the handbrake off.

While many managers in charge of an underdog would favour a more rigid approach, often accepting they are unlikely to dominate possession, the former Tottenham boss has instilled a belief within his squad that they are good enough to dictate games themselves. As a result, the USA have played with confidence on the ball and been given the freedom to express themselves in attacking areas.

They look a completely different side from the one seen under Pochettino’s predecessors, and that transformation owes as much to a change in mentality as it does to improvements in player development. The growing profile of MLS has undoubtedly played its part too, helping create an environment in which more top-level talent can emerge and flourish.

A win against Turkiye next week will be their biggest statement of intent yet, given the two nations are in similar positions whereby its time for their growth to make way for results.

Having started the 2026 World Cup with a bang – thumping Paraguay 4-1 – the US then took on Australia in their second Group D game. Playing in Seattle, they came away with a 2-0 win, built upon an excellent first-half display.

Despite missing star man Christian Pulisic through injury, the home team looked to be full of confidence as they started with great intensity. This helped Mauricio Pochettino’s men take a lead when Folarin Balogun forced an own goal in off Cameron Burgess after just 11 minutes.

Before the break, the USMNT had doubled their lead, with Alex Freeman surviving an initial offside call, with VAR allowing the goal to stand, with the American clearly onside. In the second half, Australia settled and looked a little more threatening. But they didn’t do enough to mount a comeback, with the home team hanging on to claim a 2-0 victory.

BBC Pundits Impressed by One USMNT Star

US players via Reuters/Troy Wayrynen

In particular, Balogun really caught the eye. Having scored a brace in that opening win against Paraguay, he once again looked lively in this game. Former France World Cup winner Olivier Giroud was blown away by Balogun’s efforts. He said on the BBC Sport coverage:

Theo Walcott also said he ‘loves’ the fact that the US striker is ‘so positive’, while adding that the player is great at ‘exposing centre-halves’ with his pace. That speed was apparent for the opening goal, while Balogun’s electric movement caused more problems in the second half as he won multiple corners.

Speaking to the press after the game, Balogun said, ‘It means everything’ to hear the US fans chanting his name in the stadium. He added: “To be able to replay the fans on the biggest stage means the world to me.”

US Fans Blown Away by Balogun vs Australia

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The BBC pundits weren’t the only ones to be impressed by the Monaco star either. Indeed, it’s fair to say the US fans were more than happy with Balogun’s efforts on the day. One said:

Another added: “Balogun really is incredible.” While a third word: “Balogun might be the best to ever put on a USMNT kit.” One more simply said: “Balogun is brilliant.”

With Balogun leading the way, many US fans are starting to believe that they are going to win the World Cup. One said:

Another added: “We are actually going to win the World Cup.” With a third adding: “The USA really are going to win the World Cup.”

With six points from their opening two games, the US have confirmed their place in the next round of the competition. If they can make it three wins from three in their final group game (against Turkey), confidence will be sky high.