Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Chris Richards believe the USMNT has a realistic chance to win the World Cup, with Richards calling the idea not 'ridiculous'.
Summary
According to ESPN, both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and United States defender Chris Richards have expressed confidence that the USMNT could win the World Cup. While Ibrahimovic was succinct in his assessment, Richards elaborated, saying he does not think the idea is 'ridiculous'.
The Details
In comments reported by ESPN, former Sweden international Zlatan Ibrahimovic stated that he believes the United States men's national team has a chance to win the World Cup. The AC Milan striker did not provide further elaboration but was clear in his view.
Crystal Palace and USMNT centre-back Chris Richards echoed that sentiment. When asked about the possibility of the U.S. lifting the trophy, Richards said he does not consider it a wild or unrealistic idea. He emphasized that the team has the quality and belief to compete at the highest level.
The USMNT has shown progress in recent years, with a young core of players featuring in top European leagues. The team reached the round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they were eliminated by the Netherlands. Since then, they have continued to develop under head coach Gregg Berhalter.
Richards, who has been a regular for Crystal Palace this season, is part of a defensive unit that includes the likes of Antonee Robinson, Sergiño Dest, and Tim Ream. In attack, the U.S. boasts talents such as Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Folarin Balogun.
What It Means
The comments from Ibrahimovic and Richards add to growing optimism around the USMNT's potential. While winning the World Cup remains a monumental challenge, the belief from figures like Ibrahimovic—who has played at the highest level—carries weight. For Richards, the sentiment reflects the confidence within the squad itself.
The U.S. will co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, which could provide a significant advantage. Playing on home soil, with passionate crowds and familiar conditions, might boost their chances further.
However, the team still faces stiff competition from traditional powerhouses like Argentina, Brazil, France, and Germany. The USMNT will need to continue improving their depth and tactical cohesion to make a deep run.
For now, the belief is there. As Richards put it, the idea of the U.S. winning the World Cup is not 'ridiculous'—and that in itself marks a shift in perception.
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Source: Reported by ESPN. Summary compiled by NinetyMins.
