World Cup

The US team celebrates the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding ahead of round 16 of the 2026 World Cup

As the US team prepares for their round of 16 match against Belgium, they are not only focusing on soccer but also taking pride in the culture and heritage of the country, celebrating its 250th anniversary.

Jul 4, 2026, 11:29 PMAlejandra Martínez9 lượt xem

SEATTLE — On the eve of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, coach Mauricio Pochettino and the US team players participated in throwing the ball before the Seattle Mariners' match. The crowd, many wearing American team jerseys, cheered for both coach and team. "Only these things happen in America," player Folarin Balogun said on Friday. The US team has become a source of motivation for the people, especially as they focus on celebrating Independence Day. Their run at the World Cup on home soil, with Belgium waiting in the round of 16 on Monday, has created an atmosphere of excitement for fans across the country, one that contrasts with the usual divisive news. From fans around the world learning about Waffle House and ranch dressing, to the Scottish army taking over Boston, and Coach Pochettino joining in to sing "Take Me Home, Country Roads," the tournament provided many memorable moments.
"This is a place as advertised — free, beautiful, friendly and kind people," goalkeeper Matt Turner told a small group of reporters after the win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. "Of course, there are scary stories everywhere. But seeing people enjoying life in our country, it's wonderful.
People always ask, 'What do you want from this World Cup?' I just said I want us to be good hosts and welcome people to America, so they can really get a feel for our culture. I think we did very well. Lifetime memories for so many."
There are many questions about how Americans will receive the World Cup and whether soccer will capture people's attention. The long-term impact will not be known for many years to come. But the short-term impact cannot be denied. Hotels in Seattle gathered to watch the match between Egypt and Australia in a penalty shootout. Dallas police welcome Norway with a performance of "Viking Row" at the airport. Social networks were in uproar when Cape Verde put Argentina, the defending champions, in a difficult position.
Seattle Sounders player Cristian Roldan and the US team entered T-Mobile Park on Friday night. The American players felt this energy throughout the tournament and wanted to channel it on the field. "The fact that the tournament is in our hometown, the fan passion is exploding, we're creating new traditions like post-game 'Country Roads' — like the college soccer scene blending with American soccer," Turner said. "What I like is that we're not trying to be a European culture. We're not saying we need to cheer like the British or the Germans. We're embracing our own traditions and culture, and I think that's the way to go. We really need this tournament to find our identity alongside the fans."
Even Pochettino — who played with Diego Maradona and coached at Tottenham, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea — is enjoying the moment. He became a fan of country music, especially Ella Langley and Teddy Swims. He led the crowd in chants of "U-S-A" and was also learning new words. "Sometimes someone says to him in a meeting, it sounds very American, and he's like, 'Huh?'" Christian Pulisic joked last tournament. "And I thought it was funny. But it seemed like he really blended in. Like yesterday, I went into his office, and he was listening to country music, and it was funny to see that. But he also brought Argentine culture with him and showed us things from there. It's a unique bond with the group."
The famous slogan "Why not us?" of Pochettino has seeped into the team, reflecting a belief consistent with the American sports identity. "We are Americans, we accept nothing," said Sebastian Berhalter a few weeks ago when asked about the ideals Pochettino brought to the group. "Even though he's Argentine, he has this mindset of, 'Look, this is what we do, and this is who we are, and this is what America stands for.' I think even from an outside perspective, he showed us what Americans are, and he really communicated that to us."
A victory over Belgium on Monday would be a historic milestone, marking the first time the US has won two knockout matches at the World Cup. The program's best finish in the modern era was a quarterfinal appearance in 2002. This team feels a responsibility to continue this journey. "I think this is exciting," Tyler Adams told reporters Friday before practice. "I think as a team, we want to leave a mark on the game and a legacy. I want this to be more than what this moment has created and the excitement around it. If we're talking about the team and the success they have two years from now, then we've done it right. "We want to have success, and we know that the further we go, the more success we will have and the greater the growth of the game will be.