Zlatan Ibrahimović drops mic on USMNT’s World Cup chances

Team USA is looking fantastic through its first two games in pool play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The USMNT dismantled Team Australia on Friday, winning the match 2-0 with both goals coming in the first half. This team has been so impressive in opening the World Cup that soccer legend Zlatan Ibrahimović believes the U.S. can go all the way.

During the postgame show on Fox Sports, Ibrahimović was asked point-blank if he thinks Team USA has what it takes to win the World Cup this year. With little to no hesitation, the Swedish native responded with a resounding yes.

“Zlatan, I want one word from you,” asked Ibrahimovic’s co-host. “Can the U.S. win this World Cup? Yes, or no?”

“Yes,” responded Ibrahimović.

Wow! Zlatan Ibrahimović was asked whether or not the USA could WIN the World Cup…

I couldn’t believe his answer! @Ibra_official @FOXSoccer @FOXSports https://t.co/xGz1zk9MP9 pic.twitter.com/hVU2E5TFJc

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 19, 2026

The USMNT has never won the World Cup since the tournament began in 1930. Team USA’s best finish came that year, as the team finished in third place. Since then, the U.S. has reached the round of 32 several times, but has not been able to reach the final round and compete for the championship.

While the men’s team has historically not been the most competitive in the World Cup, the USA women’s team is the exact opposite, having won the tournament four times (1991, 1999, 2015, 2019).

Team USA is in familiar territory once again in this year’s tournament, as the win over Australia punched the USMNT’s ticket to the round of 32. However, this year’s team just feels a bit different, as they have been ultra-competitive in their first two games of the World Cup.

We’ll see Team USA in action once again on Thursday, June 25. The USMNT is scheduled to take on Türkiye in the third and final match of pool play.

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