Mauricio Pochettino’s USA defeated Australia 2-0 yesterday in Seattle to secure their spot in the round of 32 after just two games at the World Cup.
This result comes after Mexico also secured their spot in the knockout rounds when they defeated South Korea 1-0 earlier on Friday. The two host countries have now secured their spots in the next round, and Canada have also technically qualified after thrashing Qatar 6-0 in Vancouver on Thursday.
The three host countries all have a chance to secure the best-ever finish for their countries at a World Cup this year.
Canada
Canada’s first-ever win at a World Cup came in their 6-0 victory over Qatar on Thursday, and that result has all but confirmed their place in the last 32 of the tournament. One of Bosnia or Qatar would need to win by an astronomical margin for Canada to miss out on the knockout rounds.
The Canadians should qualify for the knockout rounds for the first time in their history, and they can also top their group if they manage to get a draw against Switzerland in their next match.
USA
The US finished third in the inaugural edition of the World Cup in 1930, which featured just 13 teams. However, in modern football history, the United States’ best finish at a World Cup came at the quarter-final stage in 2002, when they lost to Germany.
They have a solid chance to match that achievement and even go beyond it this year if they top their group. Mauricio Pochettino is a manager capable of leading this talented USMNT to their first-ever World Cup semi-finals since 1930.
Mexico
Mexico have also relied heavily on home advantage.
They have not yet conceded a goal in this tournament, and if they maintain their discipline at the back, they might just eclipse their best-ever finish at a World Cup, which is the quarter-finals
The three host countries are taking full advantage of their fans and their knowledge of their environment, and that advantage could significantly push them to give their fans the country’s best World Cup experience yet, right on home soil.
