Optimism Rises for USMNT Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Sam BordenJun 20, 2026, 03:00 AM ET

Sam Borden is a senior writer for ESPN.com.

SEATTLE — Faith fuels greatness in sports.

Belief, hope, and trust echo across the United States — among college and professional clubs, large and small, successful and struggling — as supporters hold onto the promise of brighter days ahead.

Yet for the United States men’s national team, the experience has often felt distinct.

The reasons are unclear. Some attribute it to America’s stronger performance in other sports relative to soccer; others point to the absence of a widely recognized global star. Many remain skeptical of a sport that dominates elsewhere but remains niche domestically.

Editor’s Picks

2 Related

In this nation, mediocre results seldom provoke lasting, universal doubt among fans — consider Dallas Cowboys supporters in August questioning the upcoming season. Nevertheless, the USMNT has endured persistent skepticism.

Until now.

Now, belief is permissible; optimism is warranted, as supporters dare to envision this squad achieving something remarkable.

The players strive to remain present, delivering measured statements to cope with the heavy pressure, yet they also entertain the prospect of greatness.

Former Sweden star Zlatan Ibrahimovic was asked on Fox’s post‑game show, following the United States’ 2‑0 victory over Australia, if his co‑hosts could win the World Cup. He answered with a single word: “Yes.” American defender Chris Richards welcomed the remark.

“I don’t think it’s ridiculous to say we want to win,” Richards said. “We aim to lift a trophy by the end of this.”

No one claims it will happen, nor that it is probable.

The United States defeated Paraguay and Australia — two solid, comprehensive victories that differed markedly. Yet a long road remains.

What the United States has demonstrated is its ability to play creatively and smoothly, as well as its capacity for gritty, fierce play.

The United States proved it can win and control a match without its star, Christian Pulisic, who rested in the second half against Paraguay and missed the entire game versus Australia due to a calf injury.

Knockout Bracket Challenge

The United States has shown it can support a genuine striker, Folarin Balogun, who has scored two goals and contributed to a third via an own goal.

The United States has responded to home crowds in a manner unprecedented in recent memory. History shows host nations can make deep runs — South Korea reached the semifinals in 2002 and Russia the quarterfinals in 2018 — and after two matches, it feels plausible that American enthusiasm could drive the team even farther.

“There have been friendlies at home where we were outnumbered,” Tyler Adams said. “To have an entire nation behind us is something truly special.”

Veteran defender and captain Tim Ream broke down in tears after Friday’s win, as the team gathered on the field. He wasn’t sure why he wept, but the atmosphere, the emotion, and the promise of what lay ahead shattered his usual reserve.

“I’ve told these guys this is the most fun, special, enjoyable group I’ve ever been part of,” Ream said. “There’s something about this team that just feels different.”

Fans erupt in Dallas after the U.S. scores first against Australia.

We cannot be certain that it will ultimately differ. Numerous scenarios could unfold poorly, and U.S. supporters are already contemplating each possibility.

This is natural; it has always been the case.

Perhaps Pulisic will not improve, another player may be injured, a referee’s decision could go against the United States, or a poor day could see the tournament end in a whimper against a team that might have been beatable. Perhaps that is how it unfolds.

Nevertheless, these two matches grant us permission to release distrust, incredulity, and doubt. It is acceptable to relax the notion of “just being realistic” and consider that “realistic” may now mean something else.

Balogun is electric; Richards, Alex Freeman, and Ream are solid; Sergiño Dest shows fire in every step; Weston McKennie and Malik Tillman are well‑connected. Pulisic looked his best before stepping aside and need not rush back if unready.

Adams, understandably, did not focus on winning the tournament but insisted that “the biggest goal is to change how American fans perceive their national team, to change the way they believe.”

“I want every game to matter to the everyday spectator,” he said. “I know we have the possibility to achieve that.”

The United States does. Minutes after Friday’s final whistle, players gathered on the field and joined fans, who stood, stomped, and sang, “Oh, we’re halfway there / Oh‑oh! Livin’ on a prayer” as the Bon Jovi anthem echoed in the afternoon.

Passion, wonder, and a uniquely powerful belief were present.

Halfway there? Perhaps not even.

Source link