But, having impressed in securing qualification for the Round of 16 in Qatar, Gregg Berhalter’s side have no intention of stopping here.
The only issue is that they face a Netherlands side with a strong major tournament record, including a third-placed World Cup finish under the same manager eight years ago.
Here, we examine how Berhalter lines up his troops as he looks to pull off a shock win, and what the Dutch side the US are coming up against look like.
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USA vs Netherlands lineups
The USA have been handed a huge double boost ahead of their Round of 16 matchup, after talisman Christian Pulisic was cleared to play.
Not only that, but Dutch boss Louis van Gaal has revealed that illness could hit his side’s preparations.
A number of the Oranje players are believed to be struggling with the flu ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Khalifa International Stadium, with star Frenkie de Jong said to be among them.
But, at his pre-match media conference, Van Gaal said that no players had yet been ruled out, adding: “We are not going to elaborate on that. But if it goes around in the group, it is worrying.
“There are not 15 or so. In principle, everyone is fit and available.”
USA confirmed starting 11
(4-3-3, right to left): 1. Turner (GK) — 2. Dest, 3. Zimmerman, 13. Ream, 5. Robinson — 6. Musah, 4. Adams, 8. McKennie — 21. Weah, 9. Ferreira, 10. Pulisic.
Injured: Josh Sargent (ankle), Christian Pulisic (hip) Suspended: None
Christian Pulisic is fit after overcoming the pelvic contusion that forced him off against Iran, while Weston Mckennie is also be available having overcome a quad issue.
However, the United States were less optimistic on the fitness of Josh Sargent, who is struggling with an ankle knock that could rule him out. Sargent has been deemed unavailable for this match due to his ankle injury.
Gio Reyna, who has been the subject of much debate among US fans as to why he has not yet been given his chance to shine, will have to wait as Jesus Ferreira comes into the side as the central striker, earning his first start of the tournament.
Netherlands confirmed starting 11
Netherlands (5-3-2, right to left): 23. Noppert (GK) — 22. Dumfries, 2. Timber, 4. Van Dijk, 5. Ake,17. Blind — 15. De Roon, 21. De Jong, 14. Klaassen — 8. Gakpo, 10. Depay
Injured: None Suspended: None
Despite talk of illness coming into the match, head coach Louis van Gaal has named an unchanged side from the final Group A win over Qatar.
That means Memphis Depay is fit enough for his second start up front alongside Cody Gakpo. Davy Klaassen will play as a No. 10 above the midfield pivot of Frenkie de Jong and Marten de Roon.
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Netherlands vs USA World Cup squads
Here are the names on the Netherlands and USA’s World Cup squad lists in Qatar (caps correct as of start of Qatar 2022):
