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Unsung heroes? Three players picked out by ex-USMNT star

Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic dominated headlines as the USMNT enjoyed a dream start to their 2026 World Cup campaign, but who are the unsung heroes in Mauricio Pochettino’s team? In conversation with GOAL, former keeper Kasey Keller has picked out three players that have a crucial role to play for the co-hosts at FIFA’s flagship event.

From Howard to Balogun: Top five USMNT World Cup performances

GOAL takes a look at the five best performances by American players at the highest levels of the sport

'Pure domination' - Bob Bradley hails USMNT, reflects on Salah bond

Former USMNT boss Bob Bradley speaks to GOAL about the Americans’ World Cup-opening win, his bond with Mo Salah, 2010 memories and his desire to coach again.

USA vs Australia FIFA World Cup 2026 preview

Comprehensive match preview of USA vs Australia at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more.

USMNT’s World Cup opener draws record 16 million viewers

The USMNT’s 4-1 World Cup-opening win over Paraguay drew 15.986 million viewers across FOX, FOX One and Tubi, making it the most-watched USMNT telecast ever and another major sign of soccer’s growing pull in the United States. The broadcast peaked at 18.86 million viewers, while the match also became the most-streamed English-language USMNT game on record.

'Able to repay that' - Balogun's USMNT journey worth the fanfare

Folarin Balogun’s USMNT story began with fanfare, Instagram sleuthing, and an Orlando recruiting dinner. Against Paraguay, it came full circle as the striker delivered a dream World Cup debut.

The Rondo: Are the USMNT better than we thought they were?

The USMNT were immensely impressive in their World Cup opener, and hopes are high after an emphatic victory to start the tournament

Pulisic dazzles as Balogun powers USMNT World Cup statement

Christian Pulisic dazzled, Folarin Balogun delivered and the USMNT made a World Cup statement. GOAL breaks down the winners and losers vs Paraguay.

Balogun brace fuels USMNT’s record-scoring night, sparks belief

It was a near-perfect World Cup opener for Mauricio Pochettino's side as they swept away their opponents in a way that will be remembered for a long, long time.

Will Richards start? New position for Dest? Projecting USMNT XI

Sergino Dest’s new role, Chris Richards’ fitness and late calls leave Pochettino with big decisions as GOAL projects the USMNT’s World Cup XI.

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World Cup 2026 Golden Ball odds: Best player predictions

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Yamal, Haaland & 10 stars making their World Cup debuts

We're now just hours away from the start of the 2026 World Cup, with teams currently making their final preparations ahead of the big kick-off in the United States, Mexico and Canada on Thursday. This is the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams having qualified, meaning there are a whole host of players making their first appearance on the global stage.

RANKED: Top 10 World Cup Golden Boot contenders

After years of build-up, the 2026 World Cup is almost upon us. The best players in the world have descended on the United States, Mexico and Canada with dreams of lifting the most prestigious trophy in global football ahead of the action getting under way in Mexico City.

Haaland & the World Cup's England-eligible stars

Thomas Tuchel has no shortage of world-class talent to choose from within England's squad for the 2026 World Cup. But while the presence of players such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice mean that the Tuchel's team are among the favourites, it's worth imagining a world where every England-eligible player at the tournament opted to represent the Three Lions.

Jedi scores, Tillman rises as Miles Robinson struggles continue

The USMNT fell short against Germany in their final pre-World Cup tune-up, but Mauricio Pochettino still saw signs of progress as Antonee Robinson delivered a stunning goal, Malik Tillman impressed in a deeper role, and Miles Robinson endured another difficult outing.