Best of The Herd

The U.S. men's soccer team's World Cup opener against Paraguay is framed not as a mere game, but as a cultural reckoning. Colin Cowherd argues that Christian Pulisic isn't just a star—he's the linchpin of a team that's finally matured, with a 26-year-old average age and 13 players possessing World Cup experience. The episode dismantles the myth that coaching can fix flawed talent, asserting that in soccer, as in all sports, 'better talent wins more.' Pulisic’s return from a scoring drought at AC Milan is positioned as a pivotal narrative, with Bruce Arena confirming he’s in peak form. Yet the deeper theme is about identity: the U.S. team’s DNA is athleticism and aggression, a shift from past passivity. Cowherd contrasts this with the cultural moment—June being Black Music Month, the removal of Confederate statues, and the rise of podcasts like *Rebel Spirit* and *Deep Cover*—all signaling a nation redefining its legacy. The episode ends not with a prediction, but a challenge: can the U.S. finally prove it belongs on the world stage, not just in the spotlight, but in the history books? The emotional core lies in the intersection of sports and identity. Fat Joe’s tearful recounting of the Knicks’ playoff run reveals how fandom transcends wins—it’s about belonging, legacy, and emotional catharsis. Similarly, Bruce Arena’s reflections on the 2002 team’s confidence mirror the current squad’s mindset: belief is the first victory.