The Myth of the National Team

The Myth of the National Team

The U.S. Men's National Soccer Team celebrates winning the game against Australia at Seattle Stadium in Seattle, on June 19, 2026. —Reza L. Malayeri—ZUMA Press Wire/Getty ImagesAfter the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team’s (USMNT) emphatic victory over Paraguay and then dominating defeat of Australia, a historically soccer-ambivalent American public is suddenly paying attention—and reaching for explanations about the team’s surprising success. Som…