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SEATTLE — If you are looking for a reason to celebrate this Fourth of July, look no further than the U.S. men’s national team.The USMNT is on a historic run at this World Cup, winning a knockout-round game for the first time in 24 years and already scoring more goals than any previous U.S. team for an entire tournament. It plays Belgium on Monday, July 6, in a game that could impact American soccer for decades to come.It is the makeup of this 26-man team that makes them so worth rooting for, though. The players don’t simply wear USA on their chests, they embody the country they represent.USMNT a melting potThere are Black, white and brown players. Some were born in the heartland, others on the coasts. Some chose to play for the USMNT despite growing up in other countries. There are first-generation Americans and dual nationals. There are military brats and those who live much of the year overseas.They have different personalities and interests, including, but not limited to, video games, dogs and the piano. They’ve become country music afficionados because of their coach, who despite proudly being “200% Argentine” has fully embraced the American experience.They are the quintessential melting pot, with the sum being greater than all its parts. Just like this flawed but beautiful country of ours.“This is a group, with all our different backgrounds, where we all have grown up, it's a true representation of what America is,” captain Tim Ream said before the team’s training session on Saturday, July 4. “It's a melting pot of people, of personalities, of characters. And like I said, it's a perfect representation of what the U.S. is and what it's about.”USMNT good example for countryAs the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, pride in our country and what it represents is the lowest it’s been in a quarter-century. That’s probably not a secret to anyone given the polarization of our country that is on display every day.But the USMNT offers a reminder of why the United States has been a beacon to so many around the globe for so long. Maybe even a way to repair our differences.This is a team of players ranging from 21 to 38. Some are married, some have children. Some are just getting started in their careers, others are at the tail end. They do not all believe the same things, be it politics, religion or whether it is sacrilegious to put ketchup on a hot dog.They have the same goal, though, and a shared belief in their capabilities. Those commonalities are enough to bridge whatever differences they have. They have put aside their egos to work together, knowing that while only 11 of them can be on the field at one time, they need all 26 of them to win.“We're really focused. We have great teamwork. The chemistry is high,” defender Sergino Dest said.World Cup bringing out best in U.S.The World Cup has brought out the best in the United States, whether it is Lawrence, Kansas, adopting Algeria, Boston embracing Scotland’s Tartan Army or bars in Seattle putting up signs saying “Welcome” in the languages of all the teams playing there.Given the opportunity, we've shown that most Americans are eager to live the values upon which our country was founded. We’re all equal. Strangers are welcome. We all have something to learn from one another and we're better because of what each of us brings to the table.“The group is such a melting pot — staff, players. And again, it's just an incredible representation of who we are as people,” Ream said.The USMNT will celebrate the Fourth of July by gathering with friends and family on a rooftop to watch fireworks. We have made it to our 250th birthday because of people like them — Americans throughout history who put the good of our country ahead of themselves.There is no better reason to celebrate.Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.
