Major League Soccer

· 9 June 2026

By Alejandro Bedoya

One of my most vivid memories from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil is stepping out of the tunnel before our opening match against Ghana. Normally, you catch sight of the pitch immediately, but that day, the field was hidden behind a wall of photographers, flashing cameras, and bright lights — that’s when the true magnitude of the World Cup really hit me.

It dawned on me that we were part of an event being watched by hundreds of millions of people across the globe. The nerves and pressure were intense, but those sensations reminded you that you’re alive. The rush of adrenaline was something extraordinary.

We channelled that energy right away, scoring in the opening 30 seconds. DeMarcus Beasley took the throw-in, Jermaine Jones laid it off to Clint Dempsey, and then Dempsey dribbled past a defender, fired his shot, and beat the keeper. I had the perfect view of that play, crashing the back post anticipating a rebound, with no defender in sight. I still tease Clint that if his shot had gone slightly more to the right, I’d have had a simple tap-in. But no one deserved that goal more — he was always clutch under pressure and remains a legend for a reason.

After that, the game settled. Ghana equalised late in the second half, but John Anthony Brooks responded with a stunning header from a corner kick. We went on to win 2-1, and it felt like all our preparation had come together. We had set the tone for the tournament.

That’s exactly what the United States are aiming for this summer — to set the tone. Hosting a World Cup is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I’ll admit, I’m a bit jealous that this generation gets to experience it! Players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie have the opportunity to create those unforgettable moments. I believe they can, and it all starts Friday night against Paraguay in Los Angeles.

I’ve been encouraged by what the USMNT have shown in their pre-tournament friendlies. Mauricio Pochettino has spoken a lot about culture, intensity, and aggression — and those traits were evident against Senegal and Germany. Even though Germany struck early, you could see the commitment across the team. The movement, competitiveness, and willingness to fight for each other stood out. Just a couple of years ago, there were doubts about whether this group had enough grit or unity. But then you see Tim Weah’s late tackle against Germany — that moment showed edge and character.

That kind of mentality is essential at a World Cup. While it’s easy to focus on tactics, possession, or style, international football often comes down to fine margins — intensity, togetherness, and the desire to battle for one another. Those qualities are built not only on the pitch but also during training, in the hotel, and throughout camp. The USMNT have shown signs of that bond, which is hugely promising.

I also liked the attacking fluidity — an area where Christian Pulisic thrives. Sergiño Dest’s goal against Senegal was a great example, and against Germany, Dest even drifted into advanced positions, almost like a striker, finding dangerous spaces and creating chances. That’s the kind of freedom and movement Pochettino encourages. The key is ensuring that this attacking freedom doesn’t come at the cost of defensive stability.

My biggest concern remains the overall defensive organisation. This isn’t just about the back line or the goalkeeper — it’s about collective defending. When players move fluidly in attack, the structure behind the ball must remain strong. You won’t go far in a World Cup if you’re conceding goals too easily. The US will likely dominate possession during the group stage, but they must be sharper during transitions. One of Senegal’s goals came even when the US had numbers behind the ball, but they allowed the attack to develop too easily. That’s an area that needs tightening up, and having a fit Chris Richards could make a major difference.

Set pieces are another crucial factor. Historically, the United States have prided themselves on athleticism and physical strength. They need to be more resilient defending set pieces and more clinical when attacking them. In knockout football, set pieces often decide matches. I liked some of the creative corner routines we saw against Germany, including short variations — proof that they’re experimenting and possibly keeping a few surprises for the tournament.

As for expectations, the United States should aim to progress from Group D — ideally finishing first. On paper, their starting XI looks stronger than their group rivals. However, that doesn’t mean the matches will be straightforward.

Paraguay, the opening opponent, present a stern test. Qualifying through Conmebol is no small feat, and they boast quality players like Andrés Cubas and Miguel Almirón from MLS, along with Diego Gómez and Omar Alderete from the Premier League. The US may be favourites, but Paraguay have the quality to make things difficult and possibly steal points.

Next, the action shifts to Seattle on June 19 against Australia, a team that may lack individual stars but excel collectively. They’re disciplined, well-organised, and battle for every inch — traits that make them tricky opponents, especially when they sit deep and look to counter.

The group stage concludes back in Los Angeles on June 25 against Türkiye, featuring exciting talents like Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız — players who can change a game in an instant. That fixture could well decide who tops the group and secures a more favourable path in the knockout rounds.

Overall, this US squad is incredibly talented, and being the host nation should provide an extra boost. For me, the realistic goal is a quarterfinal appearance — reaching the semifinals would be an exceptional accomplishment, but the quarterfinals should be the standard target, with anything beyond that being a bonus.

When I met several players at the roster reveal in New York City, what struck me most was their focus. Some have even gone so far as to use separate phones — one for daily life and another strictly for close family and friends, with no social media access. The idea is to remove distractions and stay mentally locked in. That level of commitment shows how seriously they’re approaching this opportunity.

When speaking with my former Philadelphia Union teammates and others, my advice was simple: trust what got you here. You’re at the World Cup because you’ve earned it. There’s no need to change who you are or try to reinvent your game. The nerves will be there, but rely on your preparation and your ability.

At the same time, I told them to enjoy the experience. You don’t want to be so tense that you forget to appreciate the moment. Stay relaxed, take in the atmosphere, and embrace what makes the World Cup so special — especially with the home support behind you.

Having the crowd on your side is a huge advantage. The key is to channel that energy correctly — not because you need extra motivation, but because it can help you go that extra mile. It’s like having a twelfth player on the field. The challenge is to harness that energy so it drives you forward, makes you run harder, compete longer, and dig deeper when it matters most.

Now it’s time to play. This team is prepared, and I can’t wait to see what they achieve this summer. Let’s go!