This is the USA's roadmap to winning the World Cup now that they've made the knockout round

Rachel Campos-Duffy, Charlie Hurt, and Griff Jenkins discuss American cuisine's growing international appeal after the US World Cup win. They highlight how tourists are discovering and loving ranch dressing. The hosts also mention the TSA issuing warnings about packing liquid ranch in carry-ons, playfully exploring American cultural impact and unexpected global culinary preferences.

The United States men’s national team is doing historic things. They have put the world on notice that they are a real threat, while doing something that had not been accomplished at the World Cup since 1930: win its first two matches.

Here is a little history lesson before I tell you how USMNT can ride this momentum and win this whole thing. Yes, I’m serious. If Zlatan thinks the United States can win the World Cup, so do I.

The 1930 U.S. team won its first two matches, beating Belgium and Paraguay, eventually reaching the semifinals, which remains the best finish in American men’s World Cup history. This group now has an opportunity to do something no U.S. men’s team has ever done: turn an encouraging start into a legitimate championship run.

Alex Freeman of the United States celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between the U.S. and Australia at Seattle Stadium on June 19, 2026. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

After opening the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles, the United States followed it with a composed 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle. The results did more than send the Americans through to the knockout stage. They clinched first place in Group D, and though it sounds crazy to say after years of disappointment, they gave