After 32 Years, US Hosts World Cup Again; Coach Vows to Win

2026 World Cup Key News

(Central News Agency, Los Angeles, 12th Combined Foreign News) The United States national team will face South American powerhouse Paraguay in its opening match of the World Cup on the 12th. As a co-host of this World Cup, the US team knows it absolutely cannot afford to lose its first home World Cup match in 32 years.

According to AFP, US head coach Mauricio Pochettino made it clear that his expectations go far beyond merely advancing from Group D, stating bluntly, "If we don't make it to the final and lift the trophy, how can we call it success?"

This US team is led by star player Christian Pulisic and features a generation of exceptionally talented young American players, making it all the more necessary to prove to fans at home that they possess the strength of a true world power.

Pulisic emphasized that the current US squad has the ability to compete with any team. He told AFP, "We want to be a force to be reckoned with in this tournament. We have three high-intensity group stage matches to show the world what the US team is really made of."

Facing a tough and experienced Paraguayan side, Argentine-born coach Pochettino warned his players that they must demonstrate the same mental toughness and physicality as their opponents.

Pulisic echoed his coach's sentiments, stressing, "We know this will be a hard-fought battle. It's not a game we can win just by playing pretty possession football."

The US team's opening match has drawn the attention of political figures. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will attend the game in person, and President Donald Trump has indicated he will attend other matches, though he has not revealed his specific schedule.

Group D of this World Cup consists of the United States, Paraguay, Turkey, and Australia. (Editor: Chen Yiwei) 1150612