A video of USMNT care packages, containing jerseys and other FIFA World Cup memorabilia, aboard American Airlines’ flights to Seattle has emerged on social media.
The 2026 World Cup is the second edition of the tournament, after 1994, to be hosted by the USA. While the 1994 edition was held completely within the States, they are co-hosting the 2026 edition alongside Canada and Mexico.
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The USMNT won their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood on Friday, June 12. An own goal from Damian Bobadilla (7′), a brace from Folarin Balogun (31′, 45+5′) and a stunner from Gio Reyna (90+8′) secured a 4-1 win for the Stars and Stripes.
Their second fixture of Group D will be against Australia at the Seattle Stadium on Friday, June 19. Ahead of the game, people flying to the city in Washington State via American Airlines have been given a surprise package aboard their flights.
As seen in the clip below, the airline placed a USMNT jersey on the backrest of every single seat on the plane. A gift hamper containing other memorabilia, such as a replica of the official Trionda football, customized pouches and posters among others, were also kept on every seat.
The USMNT, led by stars like Balogun, Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, will be hoping to make a deep run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Besides Australia, they will face off against Turkiye (June 25) in the group stage of the competition.
“We should dream without limits” – USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino gives motivational message to his side at 2026 FIFA World Cup
USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that his side ‘should dream without limits’ at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Stars and Stripes’ best-ever World Cup result came at the first ever edition of the competition (1930), in which they won the bronze medal. Since then, they have qualified for another 10 editions of the tournament, with their quarter-final run in 2002 being their best result.
After a 4-1 thumping of Paraguay (June 12) in their opening encounter of the 2026 World Cup, the USA fans will be hoping for a dream run on home soil. In an interview with The Athletic (via GOAL), Pochettino has urged his side to aim high and keep the dream alive.
The Argentine tactician said:
“The Paraguay game showed that the talent exists. When resources are distributed and the balance of power is leveled out, we are a very strong force… We should dream without limits.”
A win against Australia (June 19) would ensure that the USMNT finish atop Group D and qualify for the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Edited by Aaryan Nagraj
