The United States placed in a favorable group for the World Cup in 2026
“Outkick Hot Mic” podcast host Jonathan Hutton joins “PK Press Club Live” to discuss the United States’ placement in the 2026 World Cup, his predictions for the upcoming College Football Playoffs and much more.
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Former U.S. women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe mocked the U.S. men’s national soccer team’s World Cup campaign in a recent podcast episode last week.
Team USA unveiled “Never Chase Reality” as part of its campaign ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The 90-second film featured narration by Marcello Hernandez. The team said in a statement that “‘Never Chase Reality’ reflects the journey to age 26 for the men’s national team.”
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Megan Rapinoe (15) warms up before the NWSL Championship semifinal match against the San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium on November 5, 2023. (Ray Acevedo/USA TODAY Sports)
Rapinoe spoke about it during the latest episode of “A Touch More” with her partner Sue Bird and sports presenter Katie Nolan.
“The team’s slogan before the World Cup, that was like their downfall, and their slogan is ‘Never chase reality.’ I was like, guys, I don’t think that says what you think it says,” Rapinoe said. “I’m like, why didn’t we stay true to ‘Dream Big?’ »
“To me, it said you already think you’re no good. So, I didn’t like it.”
Hernández explains what the campaign means to him.
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The United States men’s national team starts eleven before an international friendly match against Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium on November 18, 2025. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)
“This campaign is not just about football, it’s about the American dream. Never chasing reality means ignoring the odds and daring to dream,” he said in the statement. “I played soccer from the age of four through college and have been a fan of the United States men’s and women’s national team since I was a child, so it’s an honor to bring my passion and enthusiasm for the sport to American soccer.”
The reality is that the United States men’s soccer team has not had much success on the world stage, despite being considered the “golden generation.”
The United States reached the round of 16 in 2022, tied with England in group play, but lost to the Netherlands. The United States reached the quarterfinals in 2002.
The Group D match bracket is presented during the reveal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup match schedule in Washington, Saturday, December 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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Next June, the United States will battle for a spot in the knockout stage with Paraguay and Australia and whichever team makes it through the UEFA playoff route.
