‘We will win a men’s World Cup, whether it’s in 2026 or the next one’ – Alexi Lalas on America’s chances at the World Cup
Alexi Lalas was speaking at Soccerex in Miami and made a huge prediction, claiming that the US Men’s National Team will win a World Cup in the next six years.
Lalas was playing for the US the last time that the World Cup was hosted in America, in 1994. But he said that things have changed a lot since then: “It’s a very different landscape when it comes to what soccer is here. Don’t let anybody tell you that America isn’t a soccer nation.”
Mauricio Pochettino is the new US manager and has a huge task on his hands, with many Americans expectant of success. Lalas is of the same opinion and when asked about America’s chances of winning the competition he said: “In Poch we trust. He doesn’t have a lot of time and we are automatically qualified so the opportunities are few and far between to be in competitive environments but he’s said all the right things and produced an energy and excitement that the team needed.”
Pochettino has gotten off to a great start in his new role, winning both of his first two games against Jamaica in the CONCACAF Nations League. The US won 5-2 over both legs.
Lalas didn’t hold back in his predictions for the future of the American team, saying: “We want and need this team to do well. There’s a lot of belief but ultimately the judgement of Pochettino is going to come in the summer of 2026. We will win a mens World Cup in the future, whether it’s in 2026 or the next one, it’s going to happen. We’re America, this is what we do.”
The US will have to have come a long way to achieve that success. They reached the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup before losing 3-1 to The Netherlands but they did impress across the tournament and the talent they possess in undeniable.
Star man Christian Pulisic has always shown glimpses of what he can do but at AC Milan he seems to have found a home where he can truly shine. Club mate Yunus Musah was one of the breakthrough stars of the last World Cup and is now in a more established position, similar to Weston McKennie.
Pochettino will feel confident about his side’s chances at the upcoming World Cup but will know they must overcome all odds if they are to lift the trophy.
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Publish date : 2024-11-20 02:10:00
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