The United States could hardly have asked for a better start to its 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino’s side began the tournament with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay, as the USMNT aims to go deep in the World Cup on home soil.
While Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey still views France, Spain, and England as the favorites to win the title, he believes the Americans have one massive advantage that makes them a dangerous opponent.
Cowboys Kicker Brandon Aubrey Believes USA Can Surprise France, England, Spain at FIFA World Cup
Aubrey signed a four-year, $28 million extension with the Cowboys in April, making him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history. But long before the three-time Pro Bowler became one of the NFL’s premier kickers, soccer was the sport that shaped his athletic journey.
The former Notre Dame standout was selected 21st overall by Toronto FC in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft and spent several years pursuing a professional soccer career. Having continued to follow the sport closely, Aubrey recently offered his views on the USMNT’s chances of making a surprising run at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking to The Athletic’s Adam Crafton, Aubrey offered a realistic assessment of the USMNT’s chances despite not viewing the Americans as favorites to lift the trophy.
“He admits American expectations have been dampened by patchy form leading up to the tournament. He has France, Spain, and England as favorites rather than the USMNT,” Crafton wrote.
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The United States secured an automatic place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico. However, the results leading up to the competition weren’t ideal.
The Americans lost three of their last four international friendlies, including 2-1 to Germany, 2-0 to Portugal, and 5-2 to Belgium.
Their 4-1 win over Paraguay in the 2026 FIFA World Cup opener may have helped restore some confidence, but it will be their performances against the heavyweights that will make the difference.
Aubrey believes the USMNT’s biggest advantage may be playing in front of home crowds.
“But the home fans will bring excitement and home-field advantage,” he said. “If we get out of the group stage, anything can happen. It’s a tournament. The best team doesn’t always win.”
“We have such a talented batch of players,” Aubrey added. “So they can just put it together on the field. There’s no reason they can’t make the quarterfinals. From there, anything’s possible.”
Aubrey is only partially right if FIFA World Cup history is any indication. The tournament has traditionally been dominated by a small group of nations, which includes Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, and France.
That said, playing on home soil has occasionally helped teams break through. France won its first World Cup title as host in 1998, defeating a prime Brazil side featuring Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Cafu 3-0 in the final.
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It’s probably a stretch, since the United States is nowhere near that level yet, but reaching the semifinals would rival the memorable quarterfinal run at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
For now, Group D opponents Australia and Türkiye still stand between the Americans and a place in the Round of 32.
