USMNT’s World Cup surge draws praise and caution from football luminaries
TL;DR
The Athletic gathers global pundits’ takes on the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup, praising a European-grounded, counter-pressing style and Balogun’s form under Pochettino while flagging concerns about sustaining intensity and depth as they enter the knockout phase after a group-winning campaign.
- What football thinks of USMNT: ‘The best in many, many years’ or needing World Cup ‘miracle’ - The Athletic The New York Times
- Does USA Have Enough Depth? Could They Beat Spain? Maurice Edu Answers Fans' Questions FOX Sports
- Niyo: US soccer no longer playing make-believe at World Cup The Detroit News
- Just How Far Can This U.S. Team Go? New York Magazine
- Why outsiders believe the USMNT can make a deep World Cup run ESPN
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