All eyes were on the United States Men’s National Team over the weekend as they officially kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a showdown against Paraguay. While the world expected the USMNT to show up, Mauricio Pochettino’s side did all that and more.
A 4-1 win over Paraguay felt like a statement win for a team facing so many questions heading into this tournament. And while that win will boost morale and buy them precious breathing space in a group that includes Australia and Turkey, former USA captain Marcelo Balboa is not fully sold on the makeup of this group.
USA Legend Marcelo Balboa Raises Questions Over Team’s Biggest Weakness
Marcelo Balboa made an appearance on the You Better You Bet show over the weekend to talk about the USMNT’s chances at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While he was bullish on their chances, he raised one little red flag that could be their Achilles’ heel in this World Cup.
“I think this is the first time in a long time where we go into a World Cup and we’re not 100% sure if it should be Turner or Matt Freese.
“The last two games against Senegal and Germany, we saw three goalkeepers. At this point, I’m not 100% sure people are sold on Matt Freese yet, compared to Matt Turner, and not everyone’s sold on Matt Turner,” the former USA captain said.
“Right now, the biggest concern, I think, if you look at this national team, are the goalkeepers good enough? You have to make a big-time save. You’re gonna have to make a save that we didn’t think you’d make, and we haven’t seen that yet in the lead-up to the World Cup. That’s one of the biggest questions this team has.”
Matt Freese started in net for the USMNT, becoming the first active MLS player to start at the position in a World Cup match for his country. While he didn’t exactly have a lot to do in this game (Paraguay’s consolation goal was their lone shot on target), Australia and Turkey will likely prove sterner tests of Freese’s mettle.
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Folarin Balogun (x2) and Gio Reyna were among the goals at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday night as the USMNT kicked things off in style.
It’s still early days, but if Mauricio Pochettino’s USA can carry that momentum into their next couple of games against Australia and Turkey, the USMNT will face the runner-up from either Group B, E, F, I, or J. That list of teams could include names like Canada, Austria, and Senegal: all teams that could give the USMNT a run for their money.
The four goals the United States scored were the most they’ve racked up in a game in World Cup history, which points to things lining up for the World Cup on home soil. Most analysts believe the USMNT has what it takes to win the group stage and advance to the knockout rounds.
But after a start like that, perhaps they should set their sights on a final-eight place at minimum, fitness permitting.
