Tim Howard says it’s ‘impossible’ for USMNT to win 2026 World Cup
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Former US men’s national team goalkeeper Tim Howard is aware of this group’s early success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he doesn’t think they’ll lift any trophies by the end of the tournament.
In fact, Howard believes it is “impossible” for them to win the World Cup.
“The USA obviously can’t win the World Cup,” he said on the “Unfiltered Soccer” podcast with former USMNT teammate Landon Donovan. “The USA will have to play the greatest game it has ever played…four games in a row. Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, finals.
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USA goalkeeper Tim Howard plays during the 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 USA to win the World Cup. That’s the truth.”
But Donovan was a little more optimistic than the Hall of Fame goaltender.
“Can we do it? Yes. Has this group proven they can beat the best team? No,” Donovan added. “If they play like that, they can compete with absolutely any team in this World Cup. Of course.”
USA WORLD CUP TEAM CONFIRMED ITS PLACE IN THE Knockout STAGE AFTER ANOTHER HISTORIC PERFORMANCE AGAINST AUSTRALIA
So far the USMNT has a strong win against Paraguay; This 4-1 victory was the most goals scored by Team USA in a World Cup match. They then earned a place in the knockout rounds by beating Australia 2-0 last Friday.
Donovan believes Mauricio Pochettino’s group is gaining momentum, which could ultimately help Cinderella succeed.
USA 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 it over and over again. Can you do it four times in a row? Can you do it in the last 16, in the quarters, in the semi-finals and in the final? That’s where it gets really tough,” Donovan explained. “But the momentum is building, you never know.”
The USMNT still has one more Group D game to play as they face Turkey on Thursday, and that will only impact who they face in the round of 32.
A new format for the World Cup, as they have increased the number of groups from 32 to 48, now a round of 32 instead of the usual round of 16. The top two teams in each group and the top eight teams in the third place will advance to the knockout rounds.
Although this match is not technically important for the USA, Pochettino will certainly emphasize the importance of continuing to build on the momentum they created in their first two games.
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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In addition, the condition of the team’s superstar midfielder Christian Pulisic, who played against Australia due to his left calf injury, will be examined under the microscope once again heading into the last group stage match. Given that a place in the knockout stage has been guaranteed, it will be interesting to see whether Pochettino will err on the side of caution and sit Pulisic once again to ensure he is ready for the knockout stage.
Will they be able to achieve success in these matches and shock Howard by running to the final? The sky is the limit for this group that has made a statement so far.
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