Goodman: World Cup villains? Time for Americans to embrace being the bullies

This is an opinion column.

The U.S. Men’s National Team is entering the 2026 World Cup with a level of talent that dwarfs their predecessors. With Christian Pulisic leading the offense from AC Milan and Birmingham's own Chris Richards anchoring the defense for Crystal Palace, the roster boasts unprecedented pedigree. Yet, as the tournament kicks off, the real question is whether this squad has the stomach for the fight ahead.

A World Against the Americans

While the U.S. serves as a host for the expanded 48-team tournament, they aren't exactly the global fan favorite. Between geopolitical chatter and the standard “us against the world” mentality common in sports, the Americans are walking into a tournament where, quite frankly, everyone wants to see them fall. It is a reality that makes the upcoming matches carry significant weight.

The Road Ahead

The 2026 World Cup begins Thursday with matches between Mexico and South Africa at 2 p.m. and South Korea against Czechia at 9 p.m. The USMNT’s own path starts at 8 p.m. on Friday with a critical clash against Paraguay at the Rose Bowl. For those looking at the tournament logistics, the journey concludes with the championship final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

Doubts surrounding the U.S. squad are mounting, and many—myself included—question if they can even survive a rugged Group D that includes Paraguay, Türkiye, and Australia. Their 2025 bench-clearing brawl with Paraguay is a stark reminder of the intensity they will face.

Time for Grit

Historically, the most successful American teams were defined by a blue-collar edge. Whether it was the artistry of Clint Dempsey, the relentless energy of Brian McBride, or the steel of Claudio Reyna, these players were tough. If the current generation wants to move beyond just “an exciting brand of soccer,” they need to channel that same grit. It might not be a bad idea to put Paraguay captain Diego Gomez on the ground in the first minute of Friday's match to set the tone.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino faces immense pressure. Leaving the battle-tested Diego Luna off the roster in favor of a gamble on Gio Reyna is a high-stakes decision. Whether Reyna provides spark off the bench or disappears when the pressure hits, the team needs more than hope to prevail.

Embrace the Villain

The USMNT might not reach the heights of France or Spain, but they carry a target on their backs nonetheless. The anti-American sentiment surrounding the globe only adds fuel to the fire. If the Americans can lean into that pressure—and perhaps embrace being the bullies rather than the darlings—it might just be the catalyst for a deep run. In the end, one thing remains certain: for all our differences, we all want to win.

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