With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be held in the United States, several former stars have recently expressed their excitement about the United States men’s national team’s (USMNT) chances. Now, USMNT icon Brad Friedel has also weighed in on the topic.
Brad Friedel Backs USMNT To Be Competitive in 2026 FIFA World Cup
During an interview with Sports Mole, Friedel stated USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino is capable of helping his team have a memorable FIFA World Cup campaign next summer.
“Mauricio is going to have a really good team assembled by the time the World Cup kicks off. He’s one of the very best coaches out there, and his staff is one of the very best staffs. My gut feeling is that World Cups are very difficult to win. Mauricio’s mentality will be to go win it. That’s all he knows about. It’s all he wants to do,” Friedel commented.
Friedel also suggested that he is confident about the USMNT qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout stages before stating that his national team will impress against the best.
“It’s hard in World Cups. So, my expectations for them are to get out of the group for sure. And then after that, let’s see who they’re drawn against. But one thing’s going to be for sure: the team’s going to be good, they’re going to be prepared, they’re going to be ready, and they’re going to compete,” the former New England Revolution manager concluded.
Earlier this month, the USMNT were drawn into Group D of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
READ MORE: Landon Donovan Makes Early 2026 FIFA World Cup Winner Prediction
They are set to face Paraguay on June 12, Australia on June 18, and lastly, the UEFA Playoff C winner on June 25 in the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup.
Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT Stint So Far
Since being named USMNT head coach back in September 2024, Pochettino has overseen a total of 22 games. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea boss has guided his team to 14 wins and a worrying seven defeats across all competitions so far.
However, the USMNT’s two back-to-back 2-1 wins over Group D sides Australia and Paraguay in October and November have instilled hope in fans.
Their most recent match ended in a resounding 5-1 triumph against Uruguay, who are currently ranked 16th in the FIFA world rankings.
Pochettino, meanwhile, has won three trophies, including a Ligue 1 title, as a manager. Perhaps the experience he gained during his European days could also bring some silverware to this part of the world.
