USMNT ‘Cannot Unequivocally Win' World Cup, Says Former US Goalkeeper

Despite the United States Men’s National Team putting forth two incredible efforts to kick off the 2026 World Cup, one of its most famous former players believes the Americans have no chance of winning a championship.

Tim Howard, who served as the USMNT‘s goalkeeper for 15 years from 2002 to 2017, said recently on “Unfiltered Soccer” that he believes a U.S. win in this year’s tournament, which would be the program’s first in history, is simply not going to happen.

“The U.S. cannot, unequivocally, win the World Cup,” said Howard. “The U.S. would have to play the greatest game they’ve ever played … four games in a row. Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, finals. It is literally impossible for the U.S. to win the World Cup.”

While Howard uses the word “literally” a bit liberally in this circumstance, his point comes across as clear as day — he doesn’t think there is even the slightest chance the USA continues its stretch of red-hot play well into the knockout round. The Americans’ best-ever finish at a World Cup was in 1930, the inaugural event, which they finished in third place. They are currently +3300 to win the tournament, according to FanDuel.

More: Breaking Down USMNT's Most Likely Opponents in World Cup Knockout Round

The USMNT has opened this year’s tournament, which has been expanded from 32 to 48 teams, with two consecutive wins for the second time ever and first time since 1930. The Americans have outscored their opponents 6-1 over their first two games, including a 4-1 triumph over Paraguay and a 2-0 win over Australia. During those two games, Folarin Balogun has performed as well as any player in the tournament, netting two goals and creating another to power the U.S. attack, while Alex Freeman has been another breakout star for the Americans.

Still, Howard has apparently been left unimpressed. Or not impressed enough.

“That’s gonna come across crazy, people are going to say I’m whatever,” said Howard. “That’s the reality.”

The USMNT will attempt to prove their former star wrong, beginning on July 1, when their first match of the knockout round is scheduled. Their opponent remains unclear at this time, but there are a few likely possibilities, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, which will take on Qatar in Group B on Wednesday at 3 p.m. in Seattle.

The Americans will round out group play on Thursday, when they take on Turkiye in their final game of Group D at 10 p.m. in Santa Clara. The USMNT hasn’t made it past the Round of 16 since 2002, when it advanced to the quarterfinal.

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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 11:03 AM.