Sullivan wishes U.S. Men’s National Team well before World Cup opener

Mike Sullivan knows a thing or two about winning on the world stage.

The New York Rangers coach, who guided Team USA to gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, sent his best wishes to the U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team before the World Cup.

“Just wanted to reach out and wish (coach) Mauricio Pochettino and Team USA all the best in the World Cup moving forward,” Sullivan said in a video posted by the Rangers. “Go USA, we’ll be rooting for you.”

He held up a Team USA soccer jersey in the video.

In addition to the gold medal, Sullivan has reached the pinnacle of the NHL twice during his coaching career, winning back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017.

The U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team went on to win its first match of the 2026 World Cup on Friday, a 4-1 win against Paraguay, with Amerant Bank Arena (home of the Florida Panthers) hosting a watch party for fans.

The Canadian Soccer Men's National Team also played its first 2026 World Cup match Friday, with Calgary Flames forward Ryan Lomberg wishing the team good luck. The game against Bosnia and Herzegovina ended in a 1-1 tie.

“Go get ‘em fellas,” Lomberg said in a social media video. “The whole country’s going to be cheering you guys on. Best of luck. Make us proud.”