Zlatan Ibrahimovic backs USMNT to win 2026 FIFA World Cup
· Yahoo Sports
The United States Men’s National Soccer Team has gained another high-profile supporter after its impressive start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Asked whether the USMNT can win the tournament, Zlatan Ibrahimovic delivered a simple but powerful response.
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“Yes,” Ibrahimovic said without taking a second.
The one-word answer comes as Mauricio Pochettino’s side continues to build momentum on home soil. The Americans opened the tournament with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay before defeating Australia 2-0 to secure first place in Group D.
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Those performances have changed perceptions around the team. The United States has scored six goals through two matches while conceding just once.
Even more impressive, the Americans advanced without star forward Christian Pulisic in their second match. Pulisic missed the Australia game with a calf injury, but the squad showed its growing depth.
“C.P. is a fantastic player,” Folarin Balogun said. “We didn’t have him today, but I think you saw we’re still capable to go out there and get a result.”
Why is belief around the USMNT growing?
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettin at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports | Jon Durr-USA TODAY SportsFormer U.S. international Jermaine Jones believes opponents are beginning to view the Americans differently.
“I think every team who faces our country right now or faces this team, this young team, after the two games they showed, I think we’re owed some respect in this tournament,” Jones said. “There’s not a lot of teams that will be like, like before, ‘Oh, we would like to play against the U.S.’
“There’s a lot of teams now that say, ‘Hmm, that would be interesting and it’s dangerous to play against them.'”
That respect has been earned through structure and balance. Tyler Adams has controlled midfield, Balogun has led the attack, and goalkeeper Matt Freese has provided stability.
The emergence of 21-year-old Alex Freeman has also been a major storyline. The defender scored against Australia and has become one of the tournament’s breakout players.
Winning the World Cup remains a difficult challenge. Traditional powers such as Argentina, France, England, and Brazil still possess deeper tournament experience.
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However, the United States looks more complete than previous generations. Pochettino has built a team that presses aggressively, attacks with confidence, and defends with discipline.
Zlatan’s prediction may seem bold, but it no longer feels unrealistic. If the Americans continue their current trajectory, they could become one of the most dangerous teams in the knockout rounds and a genuine contender for the trophy.