The United States has already done the hard part in its World Cup group, but Thursday’s meeting with Turkey still carries real weight. With top spot secured, the question is whether Mauricio Pochettino’s team can keep its momentum and protect the buzz building around the squad.
That matters because the Americans have turned two early wins into something bigger than points. The combination of results, home support and rising confidence has created a rare sense of belief around the team, and a slip against Turkey could dull that surge.
Momentum Without the Stakes
Christian Pulisic said the team feels the lift that comes from winning. “When you win your last game, you go into the next one with that little bit of extra,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
He added that the feeling is hard to ignore. “That winning mentality feeling is just – it sticks with you. So you want it, you want it for sure. Going into the knockout rounds will definitely feel better with a win. So, that’s why we’re going to push for it, and it’s an opportunity, an amazing opportunity.”
The USA’s group-stage wins over Paraguay and Australia gave the team its first two-win start in a World Cup group since 1930. Those performances have also fueled talk of a deeper run on home soil, even though Turkey arrives frustrated and still looking for a result.
Pochettino Wants Intensity, Not Complacency
Pochettino has spent the week warning against any mental drop-off. He said the Turkish side will bring pride and quality, and he expects a competitive match rather than an easy one.
“It’s a World Cup match where when you defend your jersey, your flag, your future – always is about pride,” Pochettino told reporters. “I have no doubt that the Turkish team is going to be competitive tomorrow.”
Defender Mark McKenzie said the training sessions have reflected that message. He described sharp, intense work from Pochettino and his staff, along with a strong focus on staying ready for the match.
“Mauricio and the staff have been clear and transparent about what they want to accomplish in the trainings, making sure it’s sharp, intense, and making sure that we’re going into the match feeling 100% so that we can go out there and perform to the fullest,” McKenzie told CNN Sports.
Possible Changes For Thursday Night
Some of the biggest names from the first two matches may not be pushed too hard. Chris Richards, Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun and Antonee Robinson have all picked up yellow cards, and another booking would rule them out of the Round of 32 match on July 1.
Pochettino said that risk is not worth taking. He also confirmed that Pulisic is fit after missing the second group match against Australia, but the staff still has to decide whether he starts, comes off the bench or plays in the second half.
“We need to decide if it’s possible to play from the beginning or be on the bench, and unfortunately, maybe to play on the second half,” Pochettino said.
Pulisic suffered a kick in his calf before the opening match against Paraguay and played through the first half. He said the pain became more noticeable at halftime, and the team chose to rest him after the USA had already built a three-goal lead.
The Bigger Picture Remains In View
Even with the changes likely in place, the broader mood around the team has stayed upbeat. Support in Los Angeles and Seattle has been especially loud, and Pochettino said the connection between players and fans has become one of the most important developments of the tournament.
“The connection was the most difficult (thing) to create,” he said. “And now when you connect with the fans and the people, it’s exciting.”
That atmosphere has helped sharpen expectations as the knockout rounds approach. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s win over Qatar has, for now, set up Bosnia and Herzegovina as the USA’s likely next opponent next week in Santa Clara at Levi’s Stadium when the knockout rounds begin.
The challenge for the Americans is to keep the current mood from turning into overconfidence. McKenzie said the team has no intention of slowing down after two strong performances.
“We’ve had two strong performances so far, but that’s not going to change our mentality, kind of pull us back from doing what we want to do, and that’s winning every game, right?” he said. “We want to win this whole thing. We came into this tournament with that mentality and not trying to stop short of that goal.”
