The US men’s national team just did something it hasn’t done in 96 years. With a 2-0 victory over Australia on June 19, the USMNT clinched a spot in the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, posting a perfect record through two group stage matches for the first time since the inaugural tournament in 1930.

Two wins, zero draws, zero losses, 6 points, and a +5 goal difference. For a program that has spent decades trying to prove it belongs on the world stage, this is the strongest group stage performance in US World Cup history. And there’s still one match left to play.

How the US got here

The campaign kicked off on June 12 with a commanding 4-1 demolition of Paraguay. Pochettino’s side followed it up a week later with a controlled 2-0 win over Australia, sealing qualification into the knockout rounds before Group D’s final matchday.

Pochettino is now the first US head coach in nearly a century to lead the team to consecutive World Cup victories. The Argentine manager has implemented a high-pressing, fluid attacking system that has clearly gotten the best out of a young and talented roster.

What the numbers tell us

Six points from two matches is significant for multiple reasons. In the expanded 48-team format of the 2026 World Cup, groups consist of four teams, and the top two from each group advance to the round of 32. By winning both opening fixtures, the US has mathematically guaranteed its place in the knockout stage regardless of what happens against Türkiye on June 25.

Qualifying with a game to spare also has practical benefits. Pochettino can rotate his squad against Türkiye, keeping key players fresh for the knockout rounds.

The Pochettino effect

When US Soccer hired Pochettino, it was widely viewed as the most ambitious coaching appointment in the federation’s history. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint-Germain manager brought a pedigree that no previous USMNT coach could match. Pochettino was appointed as head coach in August 2024, with the specific aim of strategically preparing the USMNT for this critical home tournament.

The match against Türkiye on June 25 presents a different kind of test. With qualification already secured, winning the group outright could mean a more favorable draw in the round of 32. Based on the team’s current standing, they are likely to encounter one of the less formidable third-placed teams in their next matchup.