Top 10 USMNT World Cup Superior Moments Presented by Michelob Ultra
Relive some of the most memorable moments in USMNT history at the FIFA World Cup
The history of the U.S. Men’s National Team at the FIFA World Cup has been defined by moments that soccer fans in America remember and talk about decades later.
As the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, here’s a look back at the top 10 superior moments in USMNT World Cup history presented by Michelob Ultra.
Following a 3-0 win against Belgium in the team’s first-ever World Cup match, U.S. attacker Bert Patenaude registers the first-ever World Cup hat trick, leading the USMNT to a 3-0 win against Paraguay, clinching top spot in the group and a place in the World Cup semifinal.
The USMNT draws Switzerland 1-1 in the opening match of 1994 FIFA World Cup to earn its first point in a World Cup in 44 years after Eric Wynalda scored off a free kick just before halftime. The match is also the first-ever World Cup game played indoors. The result helps propel the USMNT out of the group stage for the first time since 1930.
The USMNT draws hosts Korea Republic in second match of 2002 FIFA World Cup. In front of a sold-out sea of red-clad Korea fans, the USA took the lead through a beautifully struck effort from Clint Mathis. USA goalkeeper Brad Friedel made a save on a penalty kick in the first half, and the USA held a lead until the 78th minute. Still, the 1-1 draw is the only time the USA has earned a result against a host nation at the World Cup, and the point proved crucial to the USMNT’s best-ever run to the World Cup quarterfinals.
After falling to Ghana at the previous two World Cups in 2006 and 2010, the USMNT gets a first-minute goal from Clint Dempsey and an 86th minute winner from John Brooks to defeat the Black Stars 2-1 in the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Christian Pulisic sacrifices his body, colliding with the Iranian goalkeeper, to put home the game-winner in the USA’s final group stage match. The USMNT, playing with the second-youngest team at the 2022 World Cup, outlasted Iran 1-0 to advance to the Round of 16.
The 1950 FIFA World Cup group stage match – known as the “Miracle on Grass” – saw the underdog United States team, composed of amateur and semi-professional players, defeat the heavily-favored English team 1-0 behind a first-half goal from Joe Gaetjens.
In a stunning upset to open the 2002 World Cup, the USMNT built a 3-0 lead against Portugal before halftime with goals from John O'Brien, Brian McBride and an own goal. Despite the Portuguese putting up a fight in the second half, the USA held off the comeback to win 3-2 in the first match of the tournament.
For its first World Cup win in 44 years, the USMNT beat Colombia in the second group stage match of the tournament. A Colombia own goal gave the USA a 1-0 lead in the 35th minute before Earnest Stewart doubled the advantage right after halftime. The Colombian side got one back in the 90th minute, but the USMNT held on for a 2-1 win that helped it advance to the knockout round.
After drawing against England and Slovenia, the USMNT faced Algeria with everything on the line. It looked as if the match was headed to extra time after the teams remained scoreless by the 90-minute mark, but Landon Donovan’s stoppage time goal earned the 1-0 victory. The win pushed the USA to the top of its group for the first time since 1930.
It’s considered the “Greatest Dos a Cero of Them All.” Brian McBride and Landon Donovan score to help the USA defeat long-time rival Mexico 2-0 and earn its first-ever win in the World Cup Knockout Round.
2010 Comeback – Trailing 2-0 at halftime, the USMNT used goals from Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley to equalize against Slovenia in their second group stage match. The USA thought it had a late winner from Maurice Edu, only to have the goal inexplicably called off, despite replays showing it should have stood. While disappointing, the draw put the USA in a position to not only advance but finish top of its World Cup group for the first time since 1930.
The Wall – After a scoreless draw through regulation in the 2014 World Cup Round of 16, a total of three goals scored in extra time resulted in a 2-1 Belgium victory. However, the talk of the game was USA goalkeeper Tim Howard, who set a World Cup record with 16 saves in the match, leading to him being dubbed the “Secretary of Defense.”