The USMNT is somehow actually doing the damn thing. Heading into Thursday night's World Cup group stage finale against Turkey on June 25, 2026, the U.S. has already locked down a spot in the Round of 32. Win, lose, or draw, the Americans have already won the group, meaning Thursday's match is pure gravy. The U.S. team is cruising into the knockout rounds while their opponents are busy packing their bags.

This comfortable position is thanks to the U.S. handling business against Paraguay and Australia, while Turkey managed to drop matches to both of those same teams. In the opening match on June 12 in Inglewood, California, Folarin Balogun slotted home the second goal and celebrated with Weston McKennie, setting off a tournament run that has actually lived up to the pre-tournament hype for once.

But don't expect the team to just mail it in. The U.S. men's national team has literally never won more than two games in a single World Cup. A third win on Thursday would push this squad into completely uncharted territory—a goal this highly confident group has been talking about since day one, showing they might actually have the receipts to back up their swagger.

Defender Mark McKenzie made it clear on Wednesday that the boys aren't planning to coast. He told reporters that the group stage isn't over yet, and they want to finish it the right way. McKenzie emphasized that the squad wants to keep the momentum going rather than taking their foot off the gas, which is exactly the kind of energy you want to see.

Because the game has zero impact on their knockout placement, the coaching staff can run a masterclass in roster management. Under the current tournament rules, any player carrying a yellow card who picks up another one against Turkey gets hit with the banhammer for the Round of 32. Fortunately, single yellow cards are wiped clean after the group stage ends, making the tactical math pretty simple.

This means the U.S. can safely bench defenders Antonee Robinson and Chris Richards, midfielder Tyler Adams, and forward Folarin Balogun. There is absolutely no reason to risk a suspension for these key starters when the game is essentially an exhibition match for the Americans. Let the bench warmers have some fun while the key players stay safe.

It also gives them the perfect opportunity to ease Christian Pulisic back into the mix. Pulisic sat out the Australia game with a minor calf injury, but he's expected to be available on Thursday, allowing the staff to test his fitness without any real pressure on the line.