“USA suddenly becomes prime AC Milan” - Fans react after Donald Trump gives bold response when asked if USMNT can win FIFA World Cup ahead of draw

US President Donald Trump believes the United States can win the FIFA World Cup in 2026. He admitted that they have very little chance, but is not ruling them out of the running.

Speaking to Ben Jacobs in the mixed zone ahead of the FIFA World Cup draw, Trump said many pundits are giving the United States a shout in their predictions for next summer's tournament. He added they have stiff competition and said:

"Well, I think so. A lot of people think they have a little bit of a shot. Pretty stiff competition. But, I would say they would have a small chance."

The fans were quick to react to the comment, saying that the president was not aware of his team.

Many mocked the USMNT, claiming that they were bound to perform at their best because of the comment from Trump, and posted:

Donald Trump was also awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize ahead of the draw for his efforts at bringing peace around the world. FIFA president Gianni Infantino spoke while handing the award to the US President and said (via AP):

“This is what we want from a leader — a leader that cares about the people. This is your prize, this is your peace prize.”

The FIFA World Cup draw was yet to begin at the time of writing.

United States should be thinking about winning the FIFA World Cup, says Pochettino

United States men's national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has admitted that his side need to be confident about winning the FIFA World Cup going into the tournament. The former Chelsea and Tottenham believes that they should follow the likes of Morocco and said (via ESPN):

"For me, it's about winning. I think if you don't win, what does it matter? If you are second, nobody ever remembers. And I believe we should aspire to win it. Then you tell me you 'reach a semifinal, you reach the quarterfinals, you have a great tournament, and due to different factors, well, you can't win.' I think we have to give ourselves credit and merit."

"But, I think that if you look at Morocco in Qatar, I think they get where they get because they always had the mentality of saying, 'I'm going to go for it, I'm going to win.' Spain [which Morocco beat in the quarterfinals] eliminates many national teams. I think that's fundamental, especially playing in our country. I believe it's important to think big. Having a good World Cup is how you establish football as a permanent fixture."

USA's best finish at the FIFA World Cup remains third, when they reached the semifinals in 1930. Since then, their best tournament has been the 2022 edition, when they reached the quarterfinals.

Edited by Sripad