US manager Mauricio Pochettino says his focus has been on changing the team's mindset before facing Australia today.
After a difficult year of external criticism, the squad now appears unified and confident heading into its second match.
The article includes insights from US soccer legend Brandi Chastain and previews other World Cup matches across the country.
AI-generated summary was reviewed by a CNN editor.
Note: This story first appeared in The Beautiful Game by CNN Sports, our daily newsletter on all things World Cup. To subscribe, click here.
