Folarin Balogun's two first-half goals against Paraguay did more than win a game — they announced a host nation that has quietly become a contender.
Under Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT blends a generation of players schooled at Europe's biggest clubs — Christian Pulisic chief among them — with the energy of a home World Cup. Their 4-1 opener equalled the USA's joint-best result in tournament history.
For a region that lives and breathes CONCACAF football, the USA's surge raises the stakes of every rivalry — none bigger than Mexico v USA. Follow the hosts on our match tracker.