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U.S. Advances to Round of 32, Doubts Remain

6/23/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

United States reached round of 32 after 4-1 over Paraguay and 2-0 over Australia.
Tim Howard said on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast the U.S. cannot win the World Cup.
Landon Donovan, a Fox Sports analyst, said the team can compete if it keeps its play.
Odds put the U.S. at 33-1 (?3 % chance); captain Christian Pulisic missed the Australia game, while the format needs four wins for the title.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the United States hosted the FIFA World Cup, opening on June 18 and ending with Brazil’s penalty-shootout win over Italy before more than 94,000 fans at the Rose Bowl on July 17. The hosts qualified as a top third-placed team, igniting U.S. soccer growth. Today’s squad, captained by Christian Pulisic, hopes to replicate that breakthrough.

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Story summary

United States reached round of 32 after 4-1 over Paraguay and 2-0 over Australia.
Tim Howard said on the Unfiltered Soccer podcast the U.S. cannot win the World Cup.
Landon Donovan, a Fox Sports analyst, said the team can compete if it keeps its play.
Odds put the U.S. at 33-1 (?3 % chance); captain Christian Pulisic missed the Australia game, while the format needs four wins for the title.

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