The countdown to the
2026 World Cup
is underway! Each day leading up to the tournament in North America, Yahoo Sports will feature insights or memorable moments that highlight the magnitude of the world’s largest sporting event — even beyond the expanded field of this year’s global competition.
The USMNT faced significant expectations entering their opening match against England at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Under Bob Bradley’s guidance, the team wasn’t just looking for a result—they were out to make a statement.
After failing to progress past the group stage in two out of their last three World Cups, there was immense pressure on the U.S. men’s team to prove their worth on the global stage.
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England’s first strike came swiftly, as Steven Gerrard scored just four minutes into the match. The U.S. spent a substantial part of the first half in pursuit of an equalizer until luck struck in the 40th minute.
Clint Dempsey evaded Gerrard just outside the England penalty area with a spin, launching a seemingly innocuous left-footed shot. The ball took a couple of bounces, slipped past goalkeeper Rob Green, and landed in the net, leveling the match. While it was an unfortunate mistake for Green, it turned out to be the only goal he conceded during the group stage.
This unexpected draw brought a wave of positivity across the U.S., with the New York Post celebrating the occasion with a headline that only it could deliver.
USA Wins 1-1
Dempsey attributed his stroke of luck to his late sister, Jennifer, who passed away from a brain aneurysm when he was just 12.
“During my career, lucky goals were few and far between, and I feel that was my luckiest,”
Dempsey shared in an interview with Men in Blazers in 2025. “It felt as though my sister was looking out for me.”
2026 World Cup countdown: 100 days of facts, stats, and stories
(Grant Thomas/Yahoo Sports)
The U.S. ultimately topped Group C by edging out England based on goal differential. However, both teams faced elimination in the Round of 16, with the Americans succumbing to Ghana in a 2-1 match after extra time, while Germany overwhelmed Green with a 4-1 defeat.