Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

US Co-hosts 2026 World Cup, Pochettino Leads, Odds Favorable

6/9/2026

37 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The United States co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, opening June 11 with its match June 12, while coach Mauricio Pochettino replaced coach Gregg Berhalter and adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation.
FanDuel odds the United States at +5500 to win and -130 to reach Round of 16, with Lucky Rebel listing +2800 to win.
Former goalkeeper Tim Howard predicts a quarter-final run while former defender Alexi Lalas says North American heat will level European teams.

History

Historical Context

After FIFA awarded the 1994 World Cup to the United States on July 4 1988, U.S. Soccer invested $500 million in stadium upgrades and spurred the creation of Major League Soccer in 1993. The tournament set a record 3.58 million total attendance, cementing soccer’s growth. Now, for the 2026 co-hosted event, Mauricio Pochettino replaces Gregg Berhalter as head coach, building on that legacy.

1 of 2

Story summary

The United States co-hosts the 2026 FIFA World Cup, opening June 11 with its match June 12, while coach Mauricio Pochettino replaced coach Gregg Berhalter and adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation.
FanDuel odds the United States at +5500 to win and -130 to reach Round of 16, with Lucky Rebel listing +2800 to win.
Former goalkeeper Tim Howard predicts a quarter-final run while former defender Alexi Lalas says North American heat will level European teams.

1 / 2