Few expected the U.S. men’s national team to advance far in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Many predicted a solid showing but not a deep run, especially given the pressure of hosting the tournament. However, after wins over Paraguay and Australia that secured their spot in the knockout stage, opinions are beginning to shift.
One notable voice is Zlatan Ibrahimović, a 12-time Swedish Player of the Year and FOX Soccer analyst. The Swedish striker, known for his critical eye, was surprised by the U.S. team’s performance. He told FOX that he initially doubted the team’s chances of reaching the round of 16 but has since changed his mind.
“The way this team moves the ball and attacks looks completely unfamiliar to anything I’ve seen from them in past World Cups,” Ibrahimović said. “The talent is at a higher level than it’s ever been before. With Mauricio Pochettino pulling the strings, it’s easy to see why I’m impressed.”
While Ibrahimović did not predict a U.S. World Cup victory, he acknowledged that the team’s recent play signals significant progress. “If I were a betting man, I’d still side with the field,” he said. “But the fact that we’re even talking about the U.S. having a chance is a testament to how far we’ve come as a soccer nation.”
His comments suggest a newfound optimism about the U.S. team’s potential, reflecting a changing landscape in American soccer as the country prepares for the rest of the tournament.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
