The U.S. men’s national team enters Thursday’s World Cup group stage finale against Türkiye with utter peace of mind. Two prior wins against Paraguay and Australia ensure that no matter the final result, the Americans have already topped Group D and will secure a rather favorable opponent in the round of 32.
“Peace of mind” and “World Cup” aren’t phrases that typically belong in the same sentence, at least not with regards to the USMNT. There are perhaps several factors that have contributed to the U.S.’s historic success thus far on soccer’s most prestigious stage. A world-class manager, the Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino, for starters, as well as the electricity of a home crowd and a favorable group stage schedule. Maybe even a bit of luck, too.
