How Tough Is Paraguay? What Is The USA's Ceiling? Maurice Edu Answers Fans' Questions

We learned about the United States national team in its friendlies against Senegal and Germany.

Against Senegal in Charlotte, we saw the team get a win under its belt thanks to an inspired first-half performance by Christian Pulisic. We got a good test last Saturday against Germany, a quality opponent that made us pay for mistakes in defense.

Let's get to your questions with a focus on the United States men's national team and its game against Paraguay on Friday (9 p.m. ET on FOX One/FOX and streaming live for free on Tubi).

What will be the biggest challenge for our USMNT to overcome? 

— Luana (@chaitearose)

The biggest challenge is capitalizing on moments and cleaning things up defensively on the biggest stage. In friendlies, not taking chances and making mistakes can be forgiven. At the World Cup, they can prove to be the difference between winning the group or finishing second, advancing or going home.

The right mentality and focus mixed with the talent in this group will be key in navigating the responsibility and support that accompanies being a host nation. 

Leroy Sane made the U.S. pay with Germany's second goal last Saturday. (Federico Gambarini/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Team USA ceiling for this WC?

— Cam (@cameronadamsk)

I’m not putting limits on this group, so I’d say winning the World Cup. It would take a lot for it to happen, but it’s possible if everything clicks, and we maximize every opportunity in front of us.

What would it take to get there? It would require us to win three games in the knockout rounds, and our men’s national team has only ever won one once, back in 2002.

Realistically, I can see us getting to a quarterfinal, which would be special and impressive in itself.

How tough