Tim Howard says USMNT gained momentum after dominating Paraguay win, USA to ‘play Australia off the park’ next

The US Men’s National Team has officially found its footing.

Former USA goalie Tim Howard told OutKick that the Yanks’ dominant win over Paraguay proved how dangerous this team can be ahead of their matchup with Australia.

And the rest of the country is clearly bought off.

The 4-1 blowout attracted a massive 24.9 million viewers on Friday, breaking the record for the largest soccer crowd in U.S. history.

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But the most encouraging result, according to Howard, was the feeling that the Americans were leaving even more goals on the table.

“So many good things, so many contributions,” Howard told OutKick. “It’s really nice to win one game and say, ‘God, I wish we had gone almost six games.’ It’s a good place to be.”

Howard cited Folarin Balogun’s two-goal performance, Christian Pulisic’s offensive impact and strong defensive performance as reasons for optimism as the tournament progresses.

“There’s still a lot of room for improvement,” Howard said. “The substitutes came and played well. Balogun scored two goals. Christian Pulisic was outstanding. I thought we were good defensively.”

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USA goalkeeper Tim Howard plays during the game against Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California on May 27, 2014. (Michael Burns/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

USA goalkeeper Tim Howard stands on the field before the CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Jamaica at Levi’s Stadium on July 26, 2017. (Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports)

Following Matt Freese’s acquisition of veteran Matt Turner, Howard said he no longer sees the goalie rivalry as an open one.

“I don’t think there’s any rivalry anymore,” Howard said. “I think the goalie is Matt Freese. We saw that going into the tournament last year. That played itself out. I think Matt Freese is the No. 1 in the USA, end of story.”

Looking at Australia’s challenge, Howard expects a much different game than the Americans’ game against Paraguay.

He warned that Australia’s physical style could cause problems if the United States allowed it to get out of rhythm.

“It’s going to be a physical match,” Howard said. “I think the Australian team plays that way, but I also think they realize that if they get into the US team and get out of their rhythm, they give themselves a good chance.”

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Still, Howard likes to match up with Americans.

“From a football standpoint, if you ask me now, the US team will be playing the Australians on the sidelines,” he said. “They just have to be able to adapt to that physicality.”

Howard is also expecting a goal.

Folarin Balogun of the USA celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium on June 12, 2026. (John Dorton/USSF/Getty Images)

“If the United States adapts to this physical structure, then I think the rest will take care of themselves,” Howard said. “USA scores three points and wins. Maybe 3-1, maybe 3-0.”

Off the field, Howard said fans will play a key role in helping the United States build momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

He highlighted partnerships like Jim Beam’s Home Field Advantage The campaign aims to develop a deeper football culture around the national team and mobilize fans more.

“There is a cultural and togetherness aspect of football,” Howard said. “We have to build that culture and excitement around this team and help them push towards greatness on and off the field as much as we can.”

Howard said the atmosphere surrounding the team can be just as important as the momentum created on the field.

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“They will use the home field advantage. They will use this momentum as much as they can. But it is up to us, the fans, to ensure this.”

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com Follow on /x: @alejandroaveela