Soccer legend Zlatan Ibrahimović’s one-word answer to the US Men’s World Cup question will inspire hope
The US men’s national soccer team begins its World Cup run with a big win
Dan Dakich analyzes the US men’s soccer team’s dramatic 4-1 win over Paraguay. He emphasizes the speed and confidence of the team, citing the experience of many players at the highest levels. This strong start positions Team USA well for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, few pundits or fans were giving the US Men’s National Team a huge chance.
To be clear, many predicted that the team would have a strong showing, with many calling them out of the group stage.
Given the added pressure of being the host nation, it’s fair to assume the team would have a good tournament, but no one believed the United States could win the entire game.
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Alex Freeman of the United States heads the ball past Australia goalkeeper Patrick Beach during the World Cup soccer match in Seattle on June 19, 2026. (Photo by Maddy Grassy/AP)
After their convincing wins over Paraguay and Australia that sent them through to the knockout round, however, many are starting to adjust their expectations regarding the team’s superiority.
One of those pros who is beginning to rethink his position in the Stars and Stripes is 12th-year Swedish player and FOX Soccer reporter Zlatan Ibrahimović.
Ibrahimović is known to be a difficult man to impress, but after seeing the USMNT close in two games at the world’s biggest stage, the fiery Swedish striker is ready to believe.
Although he is not known as a comedian in general, I had to rewind this clip three different times to make sure I heard him correctly.
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I didn’t think the USMNT had a shot in hell to get past the round of 16, but here’s a soccer legend telling us it’s time to start taking this team seriously.
The way this team moves the ball and attacks is unlike anything I’ve seen at a previous World Cup, and the talent is at a higher level than ever before.
Team USA celebrates a goal against Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group D match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. (Photos by Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn)
With manager Mauricio Pochettino pulling the strings, it’s easy to see why the likes of Zlatan have been impressed by what they’ve seen.
Will America win the World Cup in 2026? I don’t know.
If I were a betting person, I would still be with the field since there are many good teams in this tournament.
Sebastian Berhalter and Giovanni Reyna of the United States celebrate after their victory in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match against Paraguay at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, on June 12, 2026. (Jared C. Tilton/FIFA via Getty Images)
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But the fact that we are talking about the USMNT having a chance to win this tournament is a testament to how far we have come as a soccer nation.
Zlatan is ready to believe, and so should you.
