Former United States boss Gregg Berhalter is confident Mauricio Pochettino’s side can achieve “big things” at the World Cup and help football’s continued growth in the country.

After seeing co-hosts Mexico and Canada get their campaigns under way, all eyes will be on Los Angeles as America hosts Paraguay in Friday’s opening Group D clash.

Berhalter will be watching the United States’ first home World Cup match since 1994 from the So-Fi Stadium stands and has backed successor Pochettino to make this a summer to remember.

“It’s a home World Cup, and you want players that are going to go out and give everything they have for the team. But he’s done a good job with the group, and now it’s time to perform.”