![\"USMNT](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-131884922,imgsize-132748,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/australia-us-wcup-soccer.jpg\" "\\"US")
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe United States have become one of the stories of the opening week of FIFA World Cup 2026 after consecutive victories over Paraguay and Australia secured qualification for the Round of 32 with a game to spare. The co-hosts have scored six goals, conceded just once and become the first nation at the tournament to officially clinch top spot in their group.Yet despite the optimism surrounding Mauricio Pochettino’s side, one of the most recognisable figures in United States football remains unconvinced that the team can mount a genuine challenge for the trophy.Former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard believes the idea of the United States winning the World Cup remains far beyond reach, even after their impressive start on home soil.Speaking on the “Unfiltered Soccer” podcast alongside former teammate Landon Donovan, Howard delivered a blunt assessment of America’s chances.“The US will need to play the greatest game they’ve ever played three times in a row,” Howard said, before immediately correcting himself. “Sorry, four games in a row! … It is literally impossible for the US to win the World Cup.”His comments arrived at a moment when confidence around the national team has rarely been higher.<\/p>\n The United States opened their tournament with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay before following it with a controlled 2-0 win against Australia in Seattle.The victory over Australia secured qualification for the knockout rounds and guaranteed first place in Group D after Paraguay defeated T\u00fcrkiye later on the same matchday.The Americans have therefore achieved something they had not managed for nearly a century. Following victories against Paraguay and Australia, the USMNT recorded consecutive World Cup wins for the first time since the inaugural tournament in 1930.Those results have sparked increasing excitement among supporters, with some beginning to wonder whether a deep run could be possible on home soil.The team’s rise has also been reflected in the rankings. The United States entered the tournament ranked 17th in FIFA’s official pre-World Cup rankings released on June 11. Consecutive victories have lifted them to 13th in the live rankings, further reinforcing the growing sense of momentum surrounding Pochettino’s squad.Howard, however, believes there remains a considerable difference between performing well in the group stage and winning football’s biggest prize.“That’s just the reality,” he said.Howard predicted group-stage success before Australia victoryHoward’s scepticism regarding a potential World Cup triumph has not prevented him from being impressed by what he has seen so far.Before the Australia match, the former Everton and Manchester United goalkeeper predicted that the United States would finish top of the group.“I still think we’re going to win the game [against Australia]. I think we’re going to win the group. I truly believe we’re gonna win three games in this group,” Howard said.At the same time, he also acknowledged that qualification scenarios could alter the approach for the final group-stage match against T\u00fcrkiye.“Now, there are scenarios\u2026 where, the US win this game [against Australia], they can clinch first place,” Howard added.“And if that happens, then I say [I’m] not sure [USA will win all three group-stage games], because I think we’ll down tools and rest everybody against T\u00fcrkiye, if we’ve already clinched first\u2026 In that case, then maybe [the USA doesn’t] win three games.” <\/p>\n United States’ Alex Freeman (16), second left, celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Australia in Seattle, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo\/Manu Fernandez)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n That exact scenario has now unfolded, but with a twist.The United States have already secured first place in Group D, leaving Pochettino with a decision over whether to rotate key players ahead of the knockout rounds.T\u00fcrkiye, meanwhile, have already been eliminated after defeats against Australia and Paraguay.<\/p>\n Howard’s position is not universally shared, while Landon Donovan agreed that the current squad has not yet proven it can consistently defeat elite opposition, he believes the Americans are capable of competing with anyone left in the tournament.The former forward acknowledged that the biggest tests are still to come but stopped short of dismissing the team’s chances entirely.Donovan said the United States “can absolutely compete against any team in this World Cup.” <\/p>\n United States’ Christian Pulisic (10) during the World Cup Group D soccer match between the United States and Australia in Seattle, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo\/Manu Fernandez)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n His comments reflect the growing confidence generated by the team’s performances during the opening two matches.Winning one knockout match would represent progress. Winning two would place the Americans deep into the latter stages of the competition and create one of the most memorable World Cup runs in the nation’s history.Howard remains unconvinced that such momentum could ultimately lead all the way to the trophy.<\/p>\n Howard’s assessment contrasts sharply with the opinion offered by Zlatan Ibrahimovic during FOX Sports’ World Cup coverage.Following the victory over Australia, presenter Rebecca Lowe asked the former Sweden striker whether the United States could win the tournament.Ibrahimovic’s response consisted of a single word.“Yes.”The brief answer immediately generated discussion, particularly given the former striker’s growing support for the American team during the tournament.<\/p>\n For now, the United States have done everything asked of them. Pochettino’s side comfortably defeated Paraguay, followed it with another professional performance against Australia and became the first team at the tournament to officially win its group.Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Folarin Balogun and the rest of the squad have given supporters genuine reasons for optimism heading into the knockout rounds.Whether that optimism eventually develops into a historic World Cup run remains the central question.<\/div>\nUSMNT’s perfect start fuels growing belief
<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n![\"Australia](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131884919\/australia-us-wcup-soccer.jpg\" "\\"United")
<\/p>\nDonovan sees reasons for optimism
<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n![\"Australia](\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/msid-131884920\/australia-us-wcup-soccer.jpg\" "\\"United")
<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\n<\/p>\nKnockout rounds will provide the real test
<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n