USMNT stars talk confidence after opening win, American fan support ahead of Australia World Cup match
The U.S. Men's National Team is hours away from its second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to square up against Australia in Seattle on Friday afternoon, and two of the team's star players are confident they can build on their early winning momentum, having previously bested Paraguay in their first match of the tournament.
"We know what to do, and we hope to perform," defender Joe Scally told ABC News.
Midfielder Gio Reyna echoed that focus.
"It's about competing, showing up for the game, and then, hopefully, our talent and our work can get us a good result," he said.
The U.S. men's team enters the second Group D matchup a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay last Friday that earned widespread praise and attention for the team's performance on the pitch.
"We've constantly asked the question, 'Can this team even do it? Can this group of players actually put together a performance that galvanizes the nation?' They did exactly that," former USMNT player Taylor Twellman told ABC News.
Scally, 23, said the first win delivered a true confidence boost to the whole team.
"I think we have one of the best games out of all the teams who performed so far," he said. "So we definitely have a lot of confidence to us."
Playing in front of a home crowd across U.S. host cities is also a major advantage for the team, whose first match was in Los Angeles.
"It was like a 12th player on the field, because it really feels like we have the whole stadium kind of with us, which is very special," Scally said. "Even during the national anthem, you could hear the whole stadium kind singing."
In tandem with the U.S. game Friday, the Empire State Building will "shine its world-famous tower lights in red, white, and blue to support Team USA" from sunset to 9:30 p.m. ET, a representative confirmed to ABC News.
The tournament has already marked a personal milestone for Reyna, the 23-year-old attacking midfielder who notched his first World Cup goal in the opening match.
After scoring, Reyna also used his celebration to share the news that he and his wife are expecting their first child.
"It was a cool moment and a special moment for me and her and the rest of our family," he said.
Fans from around the world have brought their own traditions to the tournament, from Norway supporters performing a Viking row in perfect unison in the stands in Boston to Japanese fans in Dallas cleaning up stadium trash after matches. Many first-time visitors have also fallen in love with American foods -- and beer -- posting meal reviews on social media and even drinking an entire taproom dry.
With the global spotlight on them, the U.S. players said they've embraced the moment.
"This is the highest of high in our sport," Reyna said, noting that the team is "not taking it lightly. We're not taking it for granted."
Scally added, "We're America, so we really don't back down to any opponent. We're gonna be there. We're just gonna always give a 100%."
Kickoff for the U.S. vs. Australia is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET at Seattle Stadium. Click here for more information on how to watch.
The next confirmed USMNT match is scheduled for June 25 against Turkey to close out the group stage.
