World Cup 2026: 5 key questions for the U.S. national team Including expectations and support problems.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The United States soccer team's complicated path to hosting Paraguay in Friday's World Cup opening match at SoFi Stadium began eight years ago at an exhibition center in Moscow. After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, the U.S. team and American soccer are about to get some much-needed good news. When FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced at the event that the 2026 World Cup would be held in North America. This means that the US team will automatically have the right to participate in the competition Preparing the team after facing many problems requires hard work. But not having the burden of qualifying has allowed the team to plan their path. With Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino appointed in October 2024 and a squad full of experienced players from top European leagues. “Our aim is to win — compete and win,” Pochettino said. “We have very good players. The challenge is putting it all together.” Even though the team is confident But the question remains as to how well the team will be able to perform in this World Cup. Especially when the competition starts in groups that are not too strong. But there are no weak teams either, with Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye the U.S. national team. Want good results in the opening match. To lead to the next match The important question is Will the team be able to advance deep into the round? Reaching the quarter-finals would be a huge achievement for a team that hasn't been there since 2002. Losing in the round of 16 in 2010, 2014 and 2022 is a setback that needs to be fixed. Team experience is another important factor. Half of the team's players have played in the World Cup before. This is unlike 2022, where only backup defender DeAndre Yedlin has experience. They will have to resolve defensive issues that could affect their journey into the tournament. If able to maintain stability in the defensive game The team has a chance to reach the quarterfinals. But if the problem still occurs It may be another lost opportunity for football development in this country.