Can the U.S. team win the 2026 World Cup? Zlatan Ibrahimović predicts yes

The United States Men's National Team is making a strong impression at the 2026 World Cup, securing early qualification for the round of 16. Their campaign began with decisive victories, including a 4-1 win over Paraguay and a 2-0 triumph against Australia, showcasing an effective offense that has netted six goals while conceding only one.

Under the guidance of Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, the team has garnered significant praise for its performance. This early success has led some observers to label the U.S. as a potential favorite to win the tournament, a notion that contrasts with the team's historical World Cup record, which has never seen them reach a final.

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Yes.

Adding to the growing optimism, former football superstar Zlatan Ibrahimović expressed his belief in the U.S. team's potential to lift the trophy. Speaking after a match, Ibrahimović stated, "Yes," when asked about their chances. He highlighted the impact of strong home crowd support, suggesting it could be a crucial factor that makes them difficult to beat on home soil.

Despite the encouraging start and external validation, the team remains focused on a game-by-game approach, as emphasized by their coach. Their next challenge is a group stage match against Turkey on Thursday, June 25. The team aims to build on their current momentum and confidence, hoping to replicate or surpass their best-ever World Cup performance, reaching the semifinals in 1930.

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When you have this support, it is difficult for them to beat you. That is what they need and they just have to keep gaining confidence from one game to another.