Tim Howard says the USMNT have gained momentum after defeating Paraguay in the USA to ‘play Australia off the park’ next.

The US Men’s National Team has officially received its entry.

Former American goalkeeper Tim Howard told OutKick that the Yanks’ big win over Paraguay proved just how dangerous this team can be ahead of their match against Australia.

And the whole country is clearly bought.

The 4-1 win drew 24.9 million viewers on Friday, breaking records for the most watched football in US history.

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But for Howard, what motivated him most was the feeling that the Americans had left too many goals on the table.

“A lot of good stuff, a lot of donations,” Howard told OutKick. “It’s great to win a game and say, ‘Gosh, I wish we had almost six.’ That’s a great place to be.”

Howard pointed to Folarin Balogun’s two-goal performance, Christian Pulisic’s influence in attack and a solid defensive display as reasons for optimism as the tournament progresses.

“There’s a lot to build on,” Howard said. “The subs came in and played well. Balogun got his two goals. Christian Pulisic was outstanding. I thought defensively we were good.”

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

United States 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)

After Matt Freese got the nod over veteran Matt Turner, Howard said he no longer considers the goalie competition open.

“I don’t think there is any competition now,” said Howard. “I think Matt Freese is a goaltender. We saw that going into the tournament last year. That’s self-evident. Matt Freese is the No. 1 in the US, I think.”

Looking ahead to Australia’s challenge, Howard expects a very different type of game to the one the Americans faced against Paraguay.

He warned that Australia’s physical style could cause problems if the US allowed itself to be thrown out of rhythm.

“It’s going to be a physical game,” Howard commented. “I think the Australian team plays that way, but I think they also realize that if they go into the US team and disrupt their rhythm, they give themselves a good chance.”

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Still, Howard likes the similarities of the American people.

“From a soccer perspective, if you ask me right now, the American team will play the Australians out of the park,” he said. “They just need to be able to match that body.”

And Howard expects goals.

Folarin Balogun of the United States 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 US is like that body, I think the others will take care of themselves,” Howard said. “US gets three points and wins. Maybe 3-1, maybe 3-0.”

Off the field, Howard said fans will have a big role to play as the US builds momentum ahead of the 2026 World Cup at home.

He highlighted partnerships such as Jim Beam’s Home Field Advantage campaign, which aims to cultivate a deep soccer culture in the national team and strengthen fans.

“There’s a cultural aspect to football,” Howard said. “We need to build this culture and hype in this club and help push it forward, as best we can, on and off the field, to greatness.”

Howard said that the situation around the team can be seen as important as the pressure on the field.

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“They will use the advantage of the home field. They will use that momentum as much as they can. But it is up to us as fans to provide that.”

Send us your comments: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow on X: @alejandroaveela