{"id":649440,"date":"2026-05-18T00:49:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T00:49:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/649440\/"},"modified":"2026-05-18T00:49:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T00:49:09","slug":"experts-agree-this-is-how-the-united-states-will-fare-at-the-2026-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/649440\/","title":{"rendered":"Experts agree: \u201cThis is how the United States will fare at the 2026 World Cup\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

With less than a month remaining before the United States opens its World Cup campaign<\/a>, there is still major uncertainty surrounding what version of United States men\u2019s national soccer team fans can expect under Mauricio Pochettino. Defeats against Belgium<\/a> and Portugal<\/a> raised plenty of concerns ahead of the showdown with Paraguay in Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

What do the experts think of the USMNT\u2019s chances at the 2026 World Cup<\/p>\n

Pochettino\u2019s promise that the United States can become world champion now feels far-fetched. Several experts and former USMNT stars, including Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Alexi Lalas and Taylor Twellman, have shared their predictions.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a huge opportunity, especially for many players to introduce themselves to the world. I think the sky\u2019s the limit for this team,\u201d Lalas said recently, before adding: \u201cI\u2019m not worried about Christian Pulisic because I know he\u2019ll deliver when the moment comes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Donovan, one of the greatest legends in USMNT history, believes the team has the talent to produce a historic World Cup run. However, more than the results themselves, he is concerned about the squad\u2019s health after a series of injuries. Johnny Cardoso and Patrick Agyemang were already ruled out through injury.<\/p>\n

\"Experts<\/p>\n

\u201cAs a fan of the United States national team, you want this group to stay healthy, to have all the stars playing together, and then hope they can make a deep run,\u201d he said recently in an interview with Athlon Sports.<\/p>\n

Dempsey, meanwhile, is beginning to lose faith in Pochettino. The former Fulham F.C. player does not like what he sees as contradictions from the Argentine coach, who went from saying the United States could win the World Cup to later claiming the country lacks a true soccer culture.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think there\u2019s any need to say those kinds of things. What you need is belief in your team, to give them confidence, and I don\u2019t think that helps the squad at all,\u201d he recently told Men in Blazers<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

USMNT to qualify for the knock-out stages<\/p>\n

There is broad agreement that the United States will advance from the group stage, reflecting a high level of optimism around the team. Most believe reaching the quarterfinals is a realistic dream.<\/p>\n

Twellman was even more critical, arguing that anything less than a quarterfinal appearance should be viewed as a failure. Donovan, on the other hand, believes that even if the U.S. fights hard and is eliminated by one of the tournament favorites in the Round of 16, the campaign could still be considered a success.<\/p>\n

Related stories<\/p>\n

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage<\/a>, right at your fingertips \u2013 anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\n

And there\u2019s more: check out our TikTok<\/a> and Instagram reels<\/a> for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.<\/p>\n