Overview
- The U.S. beat Paraguay 4-1 and then beat Australia 2-0 to clinch Group D with a game to spare, marking only the third time the program has topped its group.
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic said “Yes” on Fox Sports after the Australia game and urged fans to “start believing,” calling the team’s momentum and home support a real advantage.
- Players including Auston Trusty and Chris Richards welcomed the praise but described the squad’s approach as title‑ambitious yet strictly game by game.
- The U.S. will finish the group stage against Turkey at SoFi Stadium and will host a round‑of‑32 match on July 1 at Levi’s Stadium against an as‑yet‑undetermined third‑place team from several groups.
- Clinching the group raises expectations and puts a premium on preparation and squad management, with coaches likely to balance resting players and preserving momentum ahead of the knockouts.