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USMNT in the World Cup semifinals? Why a former player believes
By Sanjesh Singh at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· June 22, 2026
· 1 min read
The U.S. men’s national team are riding a never-seen-before high at the 2026 World Cup.
With two wins over Paraguay and Australia and Turkiye being eliminated early, the U.S. secured its spot in the knockout rounds with a game to play for the first time in history.
Of course, things can cha...
Key takeaway men’s national team are riding a never-seen-before high at the 2026 World Cup.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
As the USMNT makes history by securing a spot in the knockout rounds with a game to spare, Los Angeles fans are eagerly watching to see how far the team can go. The city, with its diverse soccer fan base, is abuzz with excitement, and the team's success has the potential to bring the community together. With the World Cup being played on home soil, the energy and momentum are palpable, and a deep run by the USMNT could have a significant impact on the local sports landscape. Former player Heath Pearce's assessment of the team's chemistry and cohesion is particularly relevant in Los Angeles, where the city's own soccer teams have often struggled to find consistency and teamwork. As the USMNT looks to overcome challenges like Christian Pulisic's injury, Angelenos will be watching closely to see if the team can continue to build on its momentum and make a memorable run in the tournament.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 22, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The U.S. men’s national team are riding a never-seen-before high at the 2026 World Cup.
With two wins over Paraguay and Australia and Turkiye being eliminated early, the U.S. secured its spot in the knockout rounds with a game to play for the first time in history.
Of course, things can cha...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Sanjesh Singh at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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