Ibrahimovic tells USA: 'Start believing'

Ibrahimovic: 'Start believing'

Zlatan Ibrahimovic thinks your team can go all the way. "If you didn't believe before, I will repeat; start believing," he said after the 2–0 win over Australia on Friday (2). He pointed to the home crowd as a real weapon. "They have the country behind them, and when you have this support, it's difficult to beat you." He called Australia no threat and said the momentum is everything now.

USA top Group D with 2–0 win over Australia

Your team are through as group winners. USA 2–0 Australia on Friday, and the job was done early. Christian Pulisic sat this one out, but his teammates handled it cleanly (1) (4). Ricardo Pepi, Folarin Balogun, and Alex Freeman all featured as Pochettino's side controlled the match. With qualification secured, the third group game is a chance to rest legs.

Pulisic out with calf issue

Christian Pulisic missed the Australia match with a calf injury (1) (4). No official timeline yet, but with the group won, there is zero reason to rush him back before the knockout stage. Pochettino can rotate freely in the final group game.

Fan reactions

The mood is confident but measured. Fans on Reddit noted that Pochettino is already tied for the most World Cup wins by a USMNT manager after just two matches. Others pointed out that no team outside Europe or South America has ever reached a World Cup final, with the US semifinal run in 1930 still the benchmark. Read the full discussion.