Why Not US? Can Pochettino's USMNT Win It All, Curaçao's Miracle & Dutch Dominance

Alexis GuerrerosMon, June 22, 2026 at 3:27 AM UTC

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Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Mauricio Pochettino's challenge to American fans: "Why not us?" With the USMNT already through to the knockout rounds, the guys debate whether the United States can actually win the World Cup and break down what would need to happen for Pochettino's side to make a truly historic run. Has the mentality around American soccer changed forever, or are expectations getting out of control?

Next, The Cooligans celebrate one of the stories of the tournament as Curaçao battle to a stunning draw thanks to Eloy Room's unbelievable 15-save performance—the most ever recorded in a 90-minute World Cup match. With Ivory Coast still left to play, Christian and Alexis ask whether the Caribbean nation can complete one of the greatest Cinderella stories in World Cup history and reach the knockout rounds against all odds.

To wrap up the show, the guys react to the Netherlands' emphatic 5-1 dismantling of Sweden and debate whether the Dutch have overtaken the rest of the field as World Cup favorites. They also discuss Spain's comfortable win over Saudi Arabia, Germany's dramatic late winner against Ivory Coast, Miguel Almirón's controversial red card and Uruguay's battle with Cape Verde as the group stage drama continues to intensify.

Timestamps:

(1:30) — Why not us? Can USA win the World Cup?

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(20:00) - Curacao grab stunning draw: can they make knockout rounds?

(29:30) - Netherlands new World Cup favorites?

(36:00) - Reacting to other big weekend matches

Mauricio Pochettino, Head Coach of the United States, celebrates after the team's victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Alex Livesey - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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Source: “AOL Sports”