Pardeep Cattry

If the Americans and the Belgians win in the round of 32, they'll face off at a World Cup for the third time in history

Pochettino took over as the U.S. team's coach in the fall of 2024 and his current deal expires after the World Cup

Pochettino made nine changes, while Christian Pulisic made a much-needed return to the pitch after missing last week's win with a calf issue

The USMNT clinched top spot in Group D almost a week ago thanks to their win over Australia and Turkiye's loss to Paraguay

Pulisic missed Friday's 2-0 win over Australia with a short-term calf issue but trained all week with his teammates

The U.S. men's national team coach said he 'misjudged' the situation surrounding the program as they prepare for their final group stage game at the 2026 World Cup

The USMNT have already clinched top spot in Group D and Turkiye have already been mathematically eliminated, leaving head coach Mauricio Pochettino with plenty of flexibility in terms of his lineup choices on Thursday

The U.S. fans belted out John Denver's 'Take Me Home, Country Roads' after the team's 2-0 win over Australia, beginning a tradition that is expected to continue for the duration of the USMNT's World Cup journey

Pulisic missed Friday's 2-0 win over Australia with a calf issue that he picked up in the win over Paraguay the previous week

Iran have put themselves in contention to advance from their group, all the while dealing with travel issues

Freeman scored in the USMNT's 2-0 win over Australia on Friday, while Pepi excelled after coming in for the injured Christian Pulisic

Mauricio Pochettino’s side overcame Christian Pulisic's absence and a physical Australia attack to secure a spot in the round of 32

The USMNT, much like the other teams, will go a week in between games during the group stage, resembling a club season

Pulisic came off at halftime of the U.S. team's win over Paraguay with a calf issue and has not trained since

Pulisic has not trained with the USMNT since coming off at halftime of the group's 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday with a calf issue