The 'United States Becomes Number One Country For Coronavirus Cases' meme originated in late March 2020 when global health data confirmed the US had the highest number of reported COVID-19 infections. The meme relies on the ironic subversion of the 'USA is #1' trope, a slogan typically used for national pride or sporting achievements, redirected toward a grim public health crisis. It frequently features screenshots of news headlines, bar chart races showing the US line shooting past other nations, or the 'We Are Number One' character from LazyTown. This template became a hallmark of early pandemic internet culture, used to express political frustration, shock, or dark humor regarding the rapid escalation of the virus domestically.