USMNT Aim for Perfect Group Stage | Day 15 Preview | Morning Cupdate, Presented by The Home Depot

Summary

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Men In Blazers: USMNT Aim for Perfect Group Stage | Day 15 Preview | Morning Cupdate

Date: June 25, 2026
Host: Betsy Woodruff
Contributors: Roger Bennett, Rory Smith

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Episode Overview

This episode of Men In Blazers’ “Morning Cupdate,” presented by The Home Depot, dives into the U.S. Men’s National Team’s (USMNT) final group stage match against Turkey in the 2026 World Cup. With qualification and top spot already secured, the USMNT faces Turkey in a low-pressure match, allowing for tactical rotation. The episode also previews other critical Day 15 fixtures and recaps standout moments from the previous group stage games around the tournament. The episode captures the heightened optimism around the USMNT, the tactical evolution under Mauricio Pochettino, and the global festival of football currently taking over North America.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

USMNT’s Group Stage Finale & Confidence Under Pochettino

[02:52–05:06]

• USMNT’s Situation:
  • The U.S. faces Turkey with top Group D position already secured; Turkey are eliminated, setting up a pressure-free environment.
  • Pochettino plans to rotate players, resting those at risk of suspension (Tyler Adams, Flo Balogun, C. Robinson, Chris Richards).
  • The big question: Will Christian Pulisic be risked as he recovers from a calf injury?
• Pochettino’s Impact:
  • Took over in September 2024 after an embarrassing Copa America exit; described the team’s state as “worse than we really believed.”
  • Early struggles in Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup, but rebuilt confidence.
  • Motivated players by showing videos of South Korea and Morocco’s semifinal runs and instilling a “Why not us?” mentality.
  • Tactical shift away from Berhalter’s conservative approach to a fluid, interchangeable midfield and attacking freedom.
• Quotable:
  • “No, we believe 100% in ourselves.” — Chris Richards (05:03)
  • “Gone was Greg Berhalter's ponderous possession and in came a fluid, interchangeable midfield built on movement, quick combinations and giving his best players the freedom to roam.” — Betsy Woodruff (05:06)
  • “Fans going from full on despair to this. I'm saying, why not us? It's our year. We're winning it all.” — Betsy Woodruff (05:17)

Day 15 Fixtures Preview

[05:17–07:29]

• 6 Games on the Slate:
  • USMNT vs. Turkey (main event for U.S. fans)
  • Australia vs. Paraguay: Australia need a point for second; Paraguay could qualify as a best third-place team.
  • Group E: Ecuador vs. Germany (New Jersey), Curacao vs. Ivory Coast (Philadelphia). Germany are group winners; Ivory Coast likely to take second barring upsets.
  • Group F: Netherlands & Japan atop standings (4 points each); Sweden just behind (3 points). Japanese fans and their “Memory Infinity” signs highlighted.
  • Netherlands vs. Tunisia: Tunisia have conceded nine goals; Dutch expected to capitalize.

Tournament Recap: Historic Moments & Emotional Highs

[07:29–12:08]

• Mexico’s Dominance:
  • Maintained a perfect group record and clean sheets, with young and veteran players making history (Gilberto Mora, youngest starter; Guillermo Ochoa, possible last appearance).
• South Africa’s Surprise:
  • From weakest in the group to securing a historic knockout-stage berth with minimal overseas talent.
  • “A monumental achievement for a nation that has very few players that play football outside of the country.” — Betsy Woodruff (09:28)
• Canada vs. Switzerland:
  • Switzerland’s victory sends Canada through as runners-up; first matchup in the last 32 confirmed: Canada vs. South Africa.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina:
  • Teen Karim Ala Begovic scores a wonder goal; likely to face the US in the next round.
• Scotland vs. Brazil:
  • Brazil cruise, Scotland’s hopes fade (“At this moment in time, it feels like we're going home. Minus three is too much.” — Scotland coach Steve Clark, 11:25)
• Morocco vs. Haiti:
  • Haiti’s underdog story celebrated, despite elimination.
• Knockout Stage Overview:
  • Brazil and Morocco progress from Group C; next fixtures taking shape.

Predictions & Banter

[13:51–16:31]

• Prediction Challenge:
  • Turkey vs. USA: Betsy predicts 2–1 USA; Rory expects a 2–2 draw, cautioning that Turkey are dangerous when wounded.
    • “Never ever predict Turkey or Serbia to be your dark horses for the World Cup because they will let you down.” — Rory Smith (14:53)
  • Japan vs. Sweden: Betsy picks Japan 2–0; Rory predicts an epic 4–3 for Japan, touting the group as one of the tournament’s best.
    • “Helter Skelter, A slobber knocker, as an American would say.” — Rory Smith (16:03)

Football’s Global Spirit in Los Angeles

[16:36–19:17]

• One World City Experiment:
  • Betsy’s challenge: Watch matches with fans from the most nations possible in 24 hours in L.A.
  • Colombian, Canadian, Brazilian, and South Korean watch parties offer vibrant atmospheres and cultural immersion—“no passport needed.”
  • “Possibly the highlight of the day…beautiful place to watch football…thousands of Korea fans in a family atmosphere.” — Betsy Woodruff (18:50)
• Men in Blazers Live Event:
  • Tonight at Union Station, L.A.: Featuring NFL legend Todd Gurley and former USMNT player Kyle Beckerman.
  • Event starts at 5:45 PM local; free with livestream option.

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Notable Quotes & Highlights

• USMNT Under Pochettino:
  • “But Pochettino described the state of the team as worse than we really believed and maybe that explains his slow start at the helm.” — Betsy Woodruff (04:24)
  • “No, we believe 100% in ourselves, so…” — Chris Richards (05:03)
• Tournament Vibes:
  • “You should never ever predict Turkey or Serbia to be your dark horses for the World Cup because they will let you down.” — Rory Smith (14:53)
  • “Helter Skelter, A slobber knocker, as an American would say.” — Rory Smith (16:03)
  • “Memory is infinity. Memory infinity. That's gotta be on the buzzer, right on the buzzer. Memory infinity.” — Betsy Woodruff (07:08)
• Fan Experience in LA:
  • “No passport needed. That is it for Morning Update today.” — Betsy Woodruff (19:17)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• USMNT’s Group D Preview & Squad Rotation: 02:52–05:06
• Pochettino’s Transformation: 04:18–05:17
• Day 15 Fixtures Preview: 05:17–07:29
• Recap of Previous Group Stage Games: 07:29–12:08
• Scotland Coach’s Despair: 11:25
• Prediction Challenge: 13:51–16:31
• LA Multinational Fan Experience: 16:36–19:17
• Live Event Details: 18:47–19:17

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Final Thoughts

With USMNT fans rallying behind a rejuvenated team, this Men In Blazers episode captures both the tactical progress on the pitch and the vibrant celebration of world football across America. It immerses listeners in tournament drama, from historic debuts to passionate fan moments in multicultural LA, all while keeping an eye on the prize—the journey ahead in the knockouts.

Transcript

[Roger Bennett]

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[Betsy Woodruff]

Hello and welcome to Morning Cup Day. I'm Betty Glover coming to you from la. Yesterday in Koreatown, eyes were very much all on South Africa against South Korea. The vibes here were unreal. Today though, eyes will be on the USMNT deck. Already qualified for the knockouts, but they're going to hope to maintain their momentum against Turkey. That's one of six games coming thick and fast for you today. This is your ultimate to day 15. Hello and welcome back to Morning Cup Date built by the Home Depot. Celebrate match day with a winning assist from the Home Depot. Fast free delivery lets you focus on your team, not your to do list subject to availability. The Home Depot wishes the USMNT good luck ahead of today's match. Go usa. We're all cheering you on.

[Roger Bennett]

Usa.

[Grainger Announcer]

Usa.

[Betsy Woodruff]

This lot cheering you on especially loudly. We are two weeks into the World cup but for some nations that that might be as far as they can go. Let's look ahead to day 15 and we'll start with one team whose destiny is already sealed and that is the USMNT. They face Turkier tonight at 7pm local time here in LA. But what a feeling it will be for us fans as there is no pressure riding on this match. Top spot in Group D is already locked in and actually Turkier can't finish anywhere but last. Pochettino has said that he's going to rotate his squad, particularly his four players that are one yellow card away from a suspension. So that's Tyler Adams, Flo Balogun and C. Robinson and Chris Richards. It also remains to be seen whether or not he'll risk Christian Pulisic as he recovers from a calf injury. Pochettino said we need to decide if he plays from the beginning or in the second half. Of course all eyes are going to be on that first knockout match in San Francisco on July 1st. Put that in your diaries everybody. But the team has finally got the fans believing and here's how Pochettino has done it. Today's drill down, brought to you by Makita is all about how the US is arguing Argentine coach has got his team to peak at exactly the right time. In 2024, the USMNT were left licking their wounds after a Copa America disaster. They were knocked out by Panama on their home turf after just two games. In September, though, Mauricio Pochettino took the reins.

[Roger Bennett]

Rejoice America. What a day this is for all who love the sport of soccer.

[Betsy Woodruff]

But Pochettino described the state of the team as worse than we really believed and maybe that explains his slow start at the helm. They faltered in the Concac Nations League and the Gold cup, losing to Panama and Mexico respectively, both times on home soil as well. This was Rog just over a year ago and it's hard to believe how much the mood has changed.

[Roger Bennett]

This past week has been an agony rife of frustration, disappointment.

[Betsy Woodruff]

In November 2025, Pochettino showed the team videos of South Korea and Morocco reaching World cup semi finals and instilled a why not US Mentality. And as this caper Chris Richard proves, it seems to have worked.

[Rory Smith]

No, we believe 100% in ourselves, so

[Betsy Woodruff]

that's the big thing, Pochettino tweaked the tactics as well. Gone was Greg Berhalter's ponderous possession and in came a fluid interchangeable midfield built on movement, quick combinations and giving his best players the freedom to roam. Getting ideas across has been a little bit tricky, as demonstrated by recent inconsistent results. It seems though that he's managed to get this team to click at exactly the correct time. Australia manager Tony Popovic said. We couldn't win a challenge, couldn't win a second ball. We were slow to every ball. That's Pochettino's system working exactly as designed and it's got the fans going from full on despair to this. I'm saying, why not us? It's our year. We're winning it all. Onto the days are the matches then, and at the same time as the U.S. game in San Francisco, it's Australia against Paraguay. The Australians just need a point to secure second place in the group and that's a result that would also suit Paraguay as they'd almost certainly make it through as a third place qualifier if they reach the Magic 4 points. At 1pm, it's the conclusion of Group E as Ecuador face Germany in New Jersey and Curacao take on Ivory coast in Philadelphia. Germany are already group winners and Ivory coast are best placed to claim second. Unless one of Ecuador or Curacao can claim an unlikely win, they know that their tournament will almost certainly end at the group's stage. A draw is unlikely to be enough for either of them to go through as a third place qualifier. Then finally at 4:00pm Eastern is group F, Netherlands and Japan atop of this group on four points each, with Sweden sitting behind on three. The Japanese fans though, continue to capture the hearts up and down the continent. I want you to look at Shige's sign. You're from Tokyo. Are you out of money?

[Roger Bennett]

I haven't money.

[Betsy Woodruff]

You got any pto?

[Roger Bennett]

Oh my God. Pto.

[Betsy Woodruff]

I haven't. You haven't missed any Japan games and so.

[Roger Bennett]

Yes, of course. Old Japan match.

[Betsy Woodruff]

What about your memories?

[Roger Bennett]

Bad. Bad.

[Betsy Woodruff]

Memory is infinity. Memory infinity. That's gotta be on the buzzer, right on the buzzer. Memory infinity. Japan are in Dallas taking on Sweden. Japan will be clear favorites of course, but Graham Potter. Sweden will know that a draw will be enough to make the knockout stages after making the World cup without winning a qualifying game, the Swedes won. Have any shame sneaking through as a third place team. Shameless, that's fair to say. Also Netherlands take on a Tunisia team who have lost both games and conceded nine goals in the process. The Dutch will surely be confident of filling their boots, especially with goal difference likely to be important. Alright, next, let's go back through Wednesday's matches and we'll begin with Group A as Mexico continued their 100% record with an emphatic 30 win over Czechia. Memory Infinity Matteo Chavez scored the opener easily, slotting it past the keeper and even though they'd already won the group, there was definitely no lack of passion from either the players, the fans, the commentators or even the YouTubers doing watch alongs. What an incredible tournament the co hosts are having. They've won all three games without conceding a goal, which is quite frankly ridiculous, isn't it? Nobody is going to want to come up against them, especially as their first two knockout matches will be back in the Mexican capital. History was made at both ends of the age spectrum as well. Gilberto Mora was the youngest starter in a World cup match since 2002. Then off the bench, Guillermo Ochoa, the man who has represented Mexico in six World Cups and appeared 154 times made what is very likely to be the final appearance of his career. Incredible. For more on Eltree's big win, you've got to tune in to our friends on the Vamos Network. Elsewhere in the group, it was South Africa against South Korea. Bafana. Bafana were absolutely awful in their opener against Mexico. You'd have been forgiven for assuming they were definitely going to be the ones to go home first, but underestimate this team at your peril. That was the moment inside the Monterey Stadium when Topello Maseko scored South Africa's winning goal to send them through to the last 32 into the knockouts for the first time in their history. And they didn't even need to use the third place route to do it. Brilliant. A monumental achievement for a nation that has very few players that play football outside of the country. Then in Group B there was an exciting pair of matches, firstly in Vancouver as Canada took on Switzerland. The Canadians only needed a draw to top the group, but second half goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi put the Swiss two up. Promise. David did pull one back for Canada who pushed and pushed for an equalizer but they just couldn't make it happen. They still go through as group runners up, but they won't be playing their knockout matches in Canada. They're going to have to face South Africa in LA on Sunday. That's the first confirmed matchup of the last 32. In the other match In Seattle, it was Bosnia and Herzegovina against Qatar and their teenage superstar set them on the way to victory. Eighteen year old Karim Ala Begovic scored an incredible goal to open the scoring for Bosnia. They went on to win 31 in the end, they're now 99% certain to be playing the USA in the last 32. In San Francisco, a tricky tie for both, I think it's fair to say. Then in Group C, it was Scotland as they took on Brazil in Miami. The Tartan army were hoping to steal a draw against Carlo Ancelotti's side, but those hopes lasted all of seven minutes when a Scott McKenna mistake gifted Vinicius Jr. A golden chance to open the scoring. Braz scored two more against the lacklustre Scots and their World cup hopes now hang by a single thread. Technically, they have a 38% chance of qualification, but their coach Steve Clark, well, he's not feeling too optimistic.

[Roger Bennett]

Personally at this moment in time, it feels like we're going home. I think minus three is too much.

[Betsy Woodruff]

In the other Group C match, it was an absolute thriller in Atlanta between Morocco and Haiti. The Haitians took the lead twice in this match, including an absolute bullet from Wilson Isidore of Sunderland. But whilst Morocco looked a bit shaky defensively, they looked so incredibly dangerous going forward and they turned it around to win 4 2. In the end, Haiti finished bottom of the group, but from the sound of their fans after the game, you wouldn't have realized. It's just such an incredible story, isn't it? Having Haiti here in North America. Brazil advance as group C winners with Morocco taking that second spot.

[Roger Bennett]

And as the world arrives in the United States for the biggest spectacle in sports, we're going coast to coast, host city to host city to meet the world with the men in Blazers Matchday Live Tour. These are free college gameday style live events taking place just before kickoff at some of the biggest games of the summer where we'll be taking the stage with celebrity guests in front of thousands of fans. It's going to be amazing. Come and be with us in person or From Afar on YouTube. Let's celebrate this some other way. It's meant to be celebrated. Head to the events tab on meninblazers.com for all the details. To the football to more together. Courage.

[Grainger Announcer 2]

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[Betsy Woodruff]

We've got a big one tonight on our nightly recap show, the Night Cup. Right after the final group stage match for the US Roger Rory will be joined live by Barstool Sports, Big Cat and PFT to talk through the game, the group stage and what the knockout round will look like for America. You can catch it all here on the men in Blazers YouTube. Make sure you do. It is now time for our prediction challenge against the Night Cup. Yesterday I took on Rory and he took, he took the win, everybody. He took the win. He, he went for a more pragmatic approach to Scotland's game predicting. I think he predicted a 31 win for Brazil or a 3 nil win. One of the one of the two. I optimistically said that it would be a nil nil draw, but that I was hoping for. I was hoping Scotland would get a point. Guys, I'm sorry. So it means that it's another point for the night. They lead 6 4. I've only got myself to blame really, so I'm just gonna have to redeem myself Today. I took on Rory once again. Let's start with Turkey against the usa. USA already through. Turkey are already out. What are you saying this is going to be?

[Rory Smith]

That makes Turkey dangerous, I think because their pride will have been stunned. It is genuinely astonishing that they're out of the World cup already. A squad that talented with that much expectation. It goes to show that you should never ever predict Turkey or Serbia to be your dark horses for the World cup because they will let you down down. But I think Turkey will be keen to make up for what has been a little bit of a humiliation and I think that Marici Bochesini will probably rest players but that said, the US in a good moment. Everyone's confident, really happy. They won't want to sacrifice momentum.

[Betsy Woodruff]

Two all draw to all draw, I'm going to go two one to the usa.

[Rory Smith]

You think Turkey's confidence is really long?

[Betsy Woodruff]

Yeah, I think they're. I think they're done. I think they're done. Okay, next one. Japan against Sweden.

[Rory Smith]

Yeah, yeah. So this is a really good one. Does Japan have been brilliant so far? This group is kind of low key, being one of the best in the. In the tournament. I think the Dutch have looked great as well. Sweden were fine against the Dutch. I know they lost 5:1, so that sounds a bit stupid, but they had quite a lot of chances. They do look good going forward. I think they'll probably get through either way. I'm torn. I think Japan are really good, so I'm tempted to say there'll be a lot of goals either way. I'm certain of that. I think it might be a kind of unexpected classic. I'm gonna say 43 Japan.

[Betsy Woodruff]

Oh, really?

[Rory Smith]

We've not really had a game like that yet, have we?

[Betsy Woodruff]

No, we haven't.

[Rory Smith]

You know, Norway senator was a little bit like the 3:2 with the second senator was really late. I think it's a proper, like, Helter Skelter, A slobber knocker, as an American would say. And yeah, I'm gonna say 43 Japan.

[Betsy Woodruff]

Okay, I'm gonna go 21 Japan.

[Rory Smith]

Not boring.

[Betsy Woodruff]

I just think Japan are too good. Maybe even 2 nil Japan. Can I change? I might go 2 nil.

[Rory Smith]

Japan are really, really good. And I think whoever they get, I can't remember what the bracket is, but whoever they get, if they finish second in that group will have a really tough game. Game.

[Betsy Woodruff]

Okay, thank you, Rory.

[Rory Smith]

Thank you, Betsy.

[Betsy Woodruff]

On today's finishing touch, brought to you by Bear Paint, we decided to test the theory that Los Angeles is truly a one world city. We challenged ourselves to watch as many matches as we could in 24 hours with fans from as many different nations as physically possible. Now, our challenge started two nights ago at a Colombian watch party at La Bodega rooftop in Westlake. This was the roof of a parking garage, so it didn't really look like too much at first, but before we knew it, there 3000 Colombian fans all enjoying their narrow 10 win over Dr. Congo. Onto yesterday and we started with Canadian pancakes and waffles over in Melrose and a place called Attitude Cafe. What more could you want for your breakfast? A hot spot for Canadian fans living here in la. Brilliant food and a very friendly crowd. I wouldn't expect anything less. Then we ventured to Culver City to watch the five time Champions Brazil. Pampas Grill gave us everything that we could possibly want and more. Everyone was in yellow. Caprianas were on tap. Incredible barbecue and I tried my first plantain. It was, it was amazing, guys. It was also very loud. This was the sound after Vinicius Junior's second goal. We then rounded it off with a trip to Liberty park right in the heart of Los Angeles. Careertown. This was possibly, possibly the highlight of the day. Thousands of Korea fans created a beautiful, welcoming family atmosphere with men, women, children of all ages enjoying the football. We even got caught under a giant South Korean flag. This was honestly such a beautiful place to watch football. There were dancers, performers, people leading the crowd with different chants and it's just a shame they lost one nil. But we'll brush over that. We very much enjoyed our day traveling to all four corners of the globe. No passport needed. That is it for Morning Update today. Built by the Home Depot. The Home Depot is your winning assist to host the ultimate watch party with fast free delivery to get your backyard match day ready, subject to availability for all of our friends in sunny LA today. It is the day Rog and Rory will be at the beautiful Union station ahead of USA's game against Turkey for our third Matchday Live event and it is shaping up to be a very loud one. Some incredible guests will be taken to the stage, including LA Rams legend Tom Gurley and former US player Carl Beckerman as well. It all kicks off at 5:45 and of course it is free as well. And if you're not in la, you can tune in from afar with our livestream. The link will be in the notes below. We are going to be back tomorrow, but enjoy those six wonderful games of football.

[Grainger Announcer]

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