The World Cup is really shifting into gear now, and the final group stage matches have already produced some dramatic moments.
Yesterday saw South Africa and Canada both make history after they reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time.
We also saw a cult figure say his potential farewell to Mexico, while Haiti proved this tournament isn’t all about winning.
We’ll have more on the above later in today’s newsletter, but we’ll start with the big one, the USA’s final group stage match.
And while there is little riding on the game itself, a nation is hoping to preserve the World Cup bubble in which it’s currently living.
The Main Thing: A game that means nothing and everything at the same time
It’s a match that matters more than one would imagine. I’ll let him explain why.
On paper, this game between the United States and Turkey means nothing.
The next steps for both teams are assured: The US goes on to the Round of 32 and, as things stand, plays Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Bay Area (though this opponent can definitely still change). Turkey, meanwhile, is going home. No matter the result, that’s what comes next.
But deep runs in the World Cup are not built on paper. They are often built with momentum and vibes. And that’s what’s at stake at SoFi Stadium in Southern California later today.
The USA, like the surfers I saw in the frigid waters off Manhattan Beach last night, are riding a wave right now. Two group stage wins have gotten the country behind them. In this segmented media consumption environment, it feels like the US has broken through and become mainstream.
The country is rallying with them. And the biggest thing at stake on Thursday is losing that belief.
See, America likes winners. But America also loves an underdog. And it’s so, so rare that Americans get to feel like underdogs in anything on the world stage (which, I should add, is a blessing that no one should take for granted).
A US men’s soccer team run in the World Cup is one of those rare times when Americans can unite behind a plucky group of athletes and root for them to succeed against impossible odds – and, despite those wins over Paraguay and Australia, the USA still faces pretty long odds in this tournament.
Not losing that feeling is what’s at stake in Thursday’s match.
A loss (or even a drab draw that finishes 0-0 or 1-1) will be a dose of reality that a lot of American soccer fans aren’t ready to swallow yet. A poor result introduces a bit of doubt into the equation, both for fans and the squad.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino knows the score.
“We need to perform tomorrow. We need to perform,” he told reporters Wednesday. “I have no doubt that the team that is going to play is going to perform.”
Those are the stakes. Lose – to a team that’s going fishing after two disappointing performances – and the bubble of belief that’s built up across the US might burst. Win and the vibes keep going all the way to Santa Clara for a July 1 showdown with Bosnia or whoever else qualifies ahead of it.
And after that? Who knows.