Ryan Tolmich

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.

The wait is over. Christian Pulisic and the USMNT open their home World Cup vs Paraguay on Friday, with Chris Richards' fitness and key decisions in focus.

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.

The defender's status has been touch-and-go, but after training in full this week, Richards is eager to play on Friday

GOAL dives into the summer that changed the sport of soccer with stories from those who lived it

In March, after the U.S. men's national team suffered back-to-back humblings at the hands of Belgium and Portugal, Mauricio Pochettino wondered aloud about the players he had at his disposal. Whether that vocal wondering came from a place of honesty or from a place of motivation, only Pochettino knows. The only certainty was that his assessment was blunt: his team, man for man, wasn't as good as the elite.

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways in the latest installment of the USMNT notebook.

For the next few weeks, the U.S. will be based in Orange County, but the process of getting them there took years

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways in the latest installment of the USMNT notebook.

A convincing win over Senegal, followed by a spirited defeat to Germany have the USMNT with a clearer idea of who they are ahead of the World Cup

GOAL breaks down who boosted their case, who still has questions to answer, and what Mauricio Pochettino may have learned from the USMNT's final pre-World Cup friendlies.

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.

Antonee Robinson scored a screamer and the USMNT showed plenty of fight, but defensive lapses proved costly in a 2-1 loss to Germany.

GOAL takes a look at the big storylines and takeaways from the team's pre-Germany preparation in the latest installment of the USMNT notebook.

Fresh off a win over Senegal, the USMNT face their toughest pre-World Cup test yet against Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz and Germany. GOAL breaks down five key storylines.

GOAL sat down with Gio Reyna to discuss his reputation, his growth since Qatar and why this World Cup gives him the chance to change the story around him.

Rising U.S. Men's National Team goalkeeper Diego Kochen is set to leave Barcelona on loan this summer, according to reports. The 20-year-old shot-stopper is set for the next stage of his development with more playing time, and Danish side Lyngby Boldklub are currently the favorites to temporarily add the American goalkeeper.

GOAL spoke with the Chicago Fire boss about his plans for this summer, his connection with the team and his memories of 2022