The USMNT is about to take over the American sporting scene as they introduce themselves to the country on Friday, when their 2026 World Cup begins with a primetime opener against Paraguay (9 p.m. ET, Fox). The players were supposed to be a “golden generation.” As a team, they haven’t lived up to hype. This World Cup is their golden opportunity. Essentially, there were several American boys, all born around the turn of the century, who seemed to have more talent than prior generations of U.S. soccer players. This group, led by Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams, broke into the USMNT and jumped to prestigious European club teams as teenagers. So, naturally, fans hoped that they’d develop into the best U.S. men’s soccer team ever. And at times, they’ve looked capable. Many have excelled at their professional clubs. As Team USA, they flopped at regional tournaments in 2024 and 2025, but now, under a big-time foreign coach, Mauricio Pochettino (more on him later), they seem close to unlocking potential. The co-hosts are in Group D along with Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey. If the U.S. finishes first or second, they are guaranteed a place in the next round (the round of 32), and if they finish third… let’s just say it could get a bit complicated. Friday, June 12 vs. Paraguay — 9 p.m. ET, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. Friday, June 19 vs. Australia — 3 p.m. ET, Lumen Field in Seattle Thursday, June 25 vs. Turkey — 10 p.m. ET, SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. All U.S. games will be on Fox (in English) and Telemundo (in Spanish), as well as