The United States Men’s National Team started the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an impressive performance against Paraguay. The match showcased a new style of play characterized by fluid, attacking soccer and precise passing, marking a departure from previous struggles with slow gameplay.

Chris Richards achieved a remarkable 100% pass accuracy, while Folarin Balogun delivered several exceptional finishes. Malik Tillman consistently contributed, Christian Pulisic dominated the first half, and Antonee Robinson executed standout moves. These players received substantial credit for their performance, but much praise was directed toward manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Pochettino’s tenure as USMNT manager initially faced criticism, but the victory over Paraguay silenced doubters and vindicated his tactical approach. Many fans felt they had never seen the U.S. team play with such flair and effectiveness.

Other top teams, such as Brazil and Spain, did not impress in their initial matches, leading to increased optimism that the USMNT could advance further in the tournament than expected.

In an interview, Sebastian Berhalter, son of former USMNT manager Gregg Berhalter, spoke about Pochettino’s influence on the team’s mindset. “He instilled in us a sense of American identity, emphasizing resilience,” Berhalter said.

Winger Tim Weah echoed these sentiments, highlighting the team’s aggressive and pressing style. “The mentality coach Pochettino and his staff brought has been remarkable,” he said.

Historically, the USMNT has faced physical play in CONCAF tournaments without the necessary mindset to match it. The current showing is different, bringing a sense of encouragement. Interestingly, an Argentinian manager brought this distinctly American mindset despite limited U.S. experience before 2024.

The team aims to maintain this aggressive and skillful play in their upcoming group match against Australia.

Ian Miller, a writer at OutKick, contributed to this report.