NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
Former United States men’s national team goalkeeper Tim Howard understands this group’s early success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he doesn’t think they’ll win a trophy by the end of the tournament.
In fact, Howard believes it’s “impossible” for them to win the World Cup.
“The United States cannot, unequivocally, win the World Cup,” he said on his “Unfiltered Soccer” podcast alongside his former USMNT teammate Landon Donovan. “The United States will have to play the biggest game they have ever played… four games in a row. Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, finals.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
United States goalkeeper Tim Howard plays during a game against Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California, May 27, 2014. (Michael Burns/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
“It’s literally impossible for the United States to win the World Cup. That’s just the reality.”
Donovan, however, was a bit more optimistic than the Hall of Fame guard.
“Can we? Yes. Has this group proven that they can beat a top team? No,” added Donovan. “If they play like they do, they can absolutely compete with any team in this World Cup. Of course.”
USA WORLD CUP TEAM CLICKS ELIMINATION STAGE AFTER ANOTHER HISTORIC PERFORMANCE AGAINST AUSTRALIA
The USMNT has had some solid wins against Paraguay thus far, a 4-1 win that represents the most goals scored by the U.S. team in a World Cup match. Then they followed it up with a resounding 2-0 win over Australia last Friday to advance to the knockout stages.
Donovan believes Mauricio Pochettino’s side are building momentum, which could ultimately help them achieve that Cinderella run.
U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard stands on the field before the CONCACAF Gold Cup final against Jamaica at Levi’s Stadium on July 26, 2017. (Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports)
“I’ve said it many times. Can you do it four times in a row? Can you do it in the round of 16, in the quarterfinals, in the semifinals, in the finals. That’s where it gets really difficult,” Donovan said. “But the momentum builds, you never know.”
The USMNT still has one match left in Group D, as it faces Turkey on Thursday, which will only impact who its opponent is in the round of 32.
This is a new format for the World Cup, as the expansion of the group from 32 to 48 teams has now led to a round of 16 match instead of the usual knockout stages. The top two teams from each group, along with the top eight third-placed teams, will advance to the round of 16.
Although this match does not technically matter for the United States, Pochettino will surely emphasize the importance of continuing to build on the momentum they have built in their first two matches.
Christian Pulisic had an assist in the first half of the USMNT World Cup opener against Paraguay. (Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
Additionally, the status of Christian Pulisic, the team’s superstar midfielder who sat out against Australia with a left calf injury, will be put under the microscope again ahead of the final match of the group stage. Given that the place in the knockout stage is assured, it will be interesting to see if Pochettino decides to play it safe and sit Pulisic again to ensure he is ready for the playoff match.
Can they succeed in these matches and shock Howard with a run to the finals? There is no limit to this group making a statement so far.
