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Former U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Tim Howard understands the early success this group has in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he doesn’t think they will be hoisting any trophy by the end of the tournament.
In fact, Howard believes it’s “impossible” for them to win the World Cup.
“The U.S. cannot, unequivocally, win the World Cup,” he said on his “Unfiltered Soccer” podcast alongside former USMNT teammate Landon Donovan. “The U.S. will have to play the greatest game they’ve ever played…four games in a row. Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, finals.
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Tim Howard, goalkeeper for the United States, plays during a game against Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California, on May 27, 2014. (Michael Burns/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
“It’s literally impossible for the U.S. to win the World Cup. That’s just the reality.”
Donovan, though, was a bit more optimistic than the Hall of Fame goalie.
“Can we? Yes. Has this group proven they can beat a top team? No,” Donovan added. “If they play the way they’re playing, they can absolutely compete with any team in this World Cup. For sure.”
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Thus far, the USMNT has had strong victories against Paraguay, a 4-1 victory that marked the most goals scored by Team USA in a World Cup match. Then, they followed it up with a commanding 2-0 win over Australia this past Friday to notch a spot in the knockout rounds.
Donovan believes Mauricio Pochettino’s group is building momentum, which could ultimately help them make that Cinderella run.
United States goalkeeper Tim Howard stands on the field before the CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Jamaica at Levi’s Stadium on July 26, 2017. (Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports)
“I’ve said this over and over. Can you do it four times in a row? Can you do it in the round of 16, the quarter, the semi, the final. That is where it gets really hard,” Donovan explained. “But momentum gets going, you never know.”
The USMNT still has one more Group D match to go, as they face Türkiye on Thursday, which will only impact who they will face in the new round of 32.
It’s a new format for the World Cup, as they expanded group from 32 to 48 teams has now led to a round of 32 instead of the usual round of 16. The top two teams of each group, as well as the top eight third-place teams, will be heading for the knockout rounds.
While this game technically doesn’t matter for the U.S., Pochettino will surely be stressing its importance to continue building on the momentum they’ve created throughout their first two matches.
Christian Pulisic had an assist in the first half of the USMNT World Cup opener against Paraguay. (Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)
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Also, the status of Christian Pulisic, the team’s superstar midfielder who sat out against Australia due to a left calf injury, will be under a microscope once again heading into the final group stage match. Considering the spot in the knockout stage is secured, it will be interesting to see if Pochettino decides to be cautious and sit Pulisic once more to ensure he’s ready for the elimination game.
Can they make a run in those games and shock Howard with a run to the final? The sky is the limit for this group that has made a statement thus far.
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