Chris Richards roars ‘we want to lift the trophy’ as raucous Seattle crowd lifts on-fire USMNT at World Cup

Seattle showed up and showed out for Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT.

A memorable afternoon in the Pacific North West saw the US book their place in the knockout stages of a home World Cup with one game to spare.

Alex Freeman scored the United States second goal in their victory in Seattle Fans were out in huge force to create a spectacular atmosphereGetty

A 2-0 win over Australia has everyone believing it could be a special year for the co-hosts, who have not gone beyond the quarterfinals since 1930.

“I don’t think it’s ridiculous to say that we want to win it,” Crystal Palace defender Richards said after the game, per ESPN.

“Obviously, we have a lot more games before we get to that moment, but you know, we take it one game at a time – we want to lift a trophy by the end of this.”

It was another near faultless display from Richards, who completed a perfect 83 of his 83 passes in the win over Paraguay, and followed up by completing all but four of his 95 passes against Australia, per Opta.

Richards comments were not tempered by FOX Sports analyst Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who told fans to ‘start believing’ and after two hugely impressive performances, it’s hard not to get carried away.

talkSPORT’s USMNT correspondent hands out his player ratings

The atmosphere across the US has seen fans from across the globe embraced, and celebrating US culture from rodeos to waffle houses, much to the delight of Pat McAfee.

In return Norwegian fans have treated the US to the Viking row, Scotland fans have turned Boston tartan and the orange of the Netherlands has given way .

It is having a knock-on effect on the US fans who have started developing chants beyond ‘U-S-A, U-S-A’ and in Seattle created a spectacular atmosphere.

After the game, the players and staff were in no doubt about the part played by those in attendance at Seattle Stadium (normally known as Lumen Field).

Home of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks and their legendary fans – ‘The 12s’ – Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun and Alex Freeman were roared to victory.

Folarin celebrates the opener at Seattle StadiumGetty The Seattle crowd created a thrilling atmosphereGetty

Road to the Would Cup Final

Round of 32 – v 3rd Group B/E/F/I/J – Santa Clara, July 1

Round of 16 – v 2nd Group K/Group L OR Winner Group H/2nd Group J – Seattle Stadium, Seattle, July 6

Quarterfinal – Inglewood, California, July 10

Semifinal – Arlington, Texas, July 14

Final – East Rutherford, New Jersey, July 19

Two wins from two meant the US were assured of a place in the Round of 32 – but when Paraguay beat Turkey later in the day, their status as group winners were secured.

It means that the path through the knockout stages is now clear and they could return to Seattle for a Round of 16 game – the players were in no doubt about the part played by the fans.

“It was sick,” said Richards.

“It was my first time in Seattle, and I think I’ve always heard about it, especially Christian Roldan has been speaking about it. But it was good to see it live in action.

“Sounds incredible. Obviously, a massive, massive honor.”

In the absence of Christian Pulisic, Pochettino’s midfield continued to set the tone.

History Makers

Donovan, Dempsey, Pulisic – How far can Christian Pulisic climb in the list of all-time USMNT scorers?

From GK heroes to superstar strikers – ranking the greatest USMNT World Cup performances of all time

Goal machines to the man who burned his kit after World Cup snub – who has made the most appearances for USMNT?

Third place on World Cup debut and group stage agony – a World Cup history from 1930 to 2026

Tyler Adams, Malik Tillman and Weston McKennie have impressed with their aggressive pressing, and the response from the crowd drive them on.

“I’m not really a big morning guy at all,” said McKennie after another spectacular midfield display.

“It takes me a little bit to wake up, but as soon as I saw the fans, and heard them sing the national anthem and everything, it just gives you a whole adrenaline rush, and an upbeat energy, it was amazing.”

With their status secured in the knockout stages, Pochettino now faces a decision for the final group game in Los Angeles.

Mauricio Pochettino has led the USMNT to only a second World Cup where they have won two group games.Getty Weston McKennie celebrates with the crowdGetty

Does the former Tottenham and Chelsea coach take the chance to rest some of his players, assess some of his other options, or risk losing some of the momentum created by a perfect start?

Pulisic can be managed with no rush needed to bring back the playmaker, but with four players on yellow cards, that is something that may force Pochettino’s hand.

A second booking in the group stage, would rule any player out of the Round of 32, but once the group games are complete, the yellow card count will be reset.

Adams, Balogun, Robinson and Richards are huge parts of the US plan – but all would be risking their involvement in the Round of 32 game if they were to play against Turkey on Thursday.

Stay up to date on all things USMNT across our talkSPORT platforms – subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest news, opinion, exclusive interviews and our daily unfiltered, unscripted show ‘The S* Word, from 8am ET.

All 104 games at the 2026 World Cup this summer will be live on talkSPORT, talkSPORT 2 and the talkSPORT app.