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.
10. First-Ever World Cup Hat Trick (1930)
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.
9. First World Cup Result in 44 Years (1994)
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.
5. The Miracle on Grass (1950)
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.
Honorable Mentions
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.”
