The Anthem
The Star-Spangled Banner
▶ Listen on YouTube ↗“And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air…”
Its lyrics are a poem written during the War of 1812, set to the tune of an old British social club's song.
The Legends
Names that echo
Landon Donovan
Forward · 2000s–10s
The face of American soccer's rise; his last-gasp 2010 winner is national folklore.
Clint Dempsey
Forward · 2000s–10s
Texan grit and swagger; one of only a few Americans to truly thrive in the Premier League.
Christian Pulisic
Winger · 2010s–20s
'Captain America'; a Champions League winner with Chelsea leading the new generation.
Fun Facts
Worth knowing
- 01
The USA reached the semi-finals of the very first World Cup in 1930 — still its best-ever finish.
- 02
As co-host in 2026, it stages the lion's share of matches, including the final at MetLife Stadium.
- 03
The 1994 World Cup it hosted still holds the record for the highest average attendance in tournament history.
At the World Cup
The story so far
A surprise semi-finalist in 1930, the USA reawakened by hosting 1994 and has been a fixture since. In 2026 it leads the biggest World Cup ever as principal host.
The Miracle on Grass
A team of part-timers beat England 1-0 in Belo Horizonte — one of the greatest upsets in sporting history.
Donovan's 91st minute
A stoppage-time winner against Algeria sent the USA top of its group and a nation into delirium.
Group Stage