United States

Profile

The USMNT carry the weight of a home World Cup and the expectation of a football-mad nation that has spent billions developing the sport over the past three decades. Mauricio Pochettino's side opens against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles in front of a sold-out crowd of 100,000 — the most attended club or national stadium in the Americas. Christian Pulisic captains the most talented pool in the programme's history, supported by a generation of players who cut their teeth in Europe's top five leagues. Weston McKennie brings energy and goals from midfield; Antonee Robinson is one of the Premier League's best left-backs. The United States have never finished higher than a 2002 quarter-final at a World Cup, but the convergence of a home tournament with their most talented ever squad makes this the year to change history. Anything short of the quarter-finals will be a major disappointment for this squad.

United States fixtures

Players to watch

• Christian Pulisic

  Forward · AC Milan

  America's most successful and decorated footballer, Pulisic has excelled in the Champions League with AC Milan and is the US national team captain. His pace, dribbling and clinical left foot give the USA their most dangerous direct weapon, and he elevates his performance in the biggest games.

• Weston McKennie

  Midfielder · Juventus

  An energetic, box-to-box midfielder who has established himself in Serie A with Juventus, McKennie brings physicality, goal-scoring ability and a tireless work rate to the US midfield. His aerial ability at set pieces and late runs into the box make him one of the USMNT's most effective weapons.

• Antonee Robinson

  Defender · Fulham

  One of the Premier League's most impressive left-backs, Robinson's pace, overlapping runs and defensive diligence have made him a revelation at Fulham. His ability to get forward and deliver into dangerous areas while maintaining defensive shape gives the USA a dynamic outlet on the left side.

Group D table