Tim Howard expresses doubts about USMNT's chances in 2026 World Cup

Former U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Tim Howard has expressed skepticism regarding the team's ability to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite their strong start in the tournament. On his podcast 'Unfiltered Soccer,' Howard stated, 'The U.S. cannot, unequivocally, win the World Cup,' emphasizing the difficulty of winning four consecutive matches in the knockout stages. In contrast, his former teammate Landon Donovan offered a more optimistic perspective, suggesting that while the team has not yet proven they can defeat top opponents, they have the potential to compete effectively. The USMNT has achieved notable victories, including a 4-1 win against Paraguay and a 2-0 win over Australia, securing their place in the knockout rounds. The team is set to play one more group match against Türkiye, which will determine their next opponent in the knockout stage. The match's significance is heightened by the status of midfielder Christian Pulisic, who missed the game against Australia due to injury, as the team aims to maintain momentum heading into the elimination rounds.