Should USA Have 'Higher Expectations' As World Cup Co-Hosts?

Alexi Lalas says this U.S. team shouldn’t be seen as underdogs — with the talent and resources they should win their group (Paraguay, Australia, Türkiye) and, for the first time, be favorites in the knockout round.
“Champagne problems” up front: Pulisic plus striking options like Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi and wing threats (Tim Weah, Sergiño Dest) give Pochettino plenty of attacking choices.
Concerns remain — veteran Tim Ream’s pace vs. counters and a goalkeeper (Matt Turner) still needing a signature World Cup moment — though Lalas is buoyed by the home-soil energy.