FIFA World Cup 2026: Ibrahimovic backs US to win WC
New York, June 20
Legendary footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has backed the United States to make a deep World Cup run after their 2-0 victory over Australia secured consecutive World Cup wins for the first time since 1930.
He believes the Americans have the momentum, confidence and home support needed to compete for football's biggest prize.
The United States secured their place in the World Cup knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle, extending its winning streak to two matches.
An early own goal by Cameron Burgess and a well-taken header from Alex Freeman sealed the result, marking the Americans' second consecutive triumph of the tournament.
"If you didn't believe before, I will repeat; start believing. They have the country behind them, and when you have this support, it's difficult to beat you. They had a good performance today. To be honest, Australia was not a threat today," Ibrahimovic said while speaking on Fox Sports after the match, as per Goal.com.
"I said it before, that whatever happened before the World Cup (doesn't matter). It is important what happens now. Now, the momentum they have, that is what they need. They just need to continue bringing confidence from game to game. The third game, let's see what happens now. They can rest some players now that they have qualified. It is looking good," he added.
The result was a significant milestone for the US, which recorded back-to-back World Cup victories for the first time since 1930.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, it's good to see football growing in the US. Back in India, we love our cricket but we're also getting into the World Cup vibe now. The fact that the US has home support and this confidence is huge. But Zlatan saying "start believing" after beating Australia? Australia is good but not top-tier. Let's see them face Brazil or Argentina first! 🇮🇳⚽
First back-to-back wins since 1930? That's a shocking stat for a country that hosts the World Cup! But hats off to them - they're building something. Reminds me of how India's football team is trying to build step by step under Stimac. Hope the US can inspire other nations, including us, to dream bigger. But calling them champions now is just hype. Rome wasn't built in a day.
Oh please, Zlatan being Zlatan! He always talks big. But I think he's right that the US has momentum. We saw how the Indian cricket team's home crowd helped them in 2011. Home support is a massive advantage in any sport. The US has the talent, the fitness, and now the belief. They could be the dark horse this year! 🙌🇺🇸
As someone who follows both cricket and football, I find this interesting. The US team is still nowhere near the top 5 in the world. Beating Australia and another minnow isn't proof of being champions. Look at Japan or Morocco from last World Cup - they showed real quality. Unless US plays and beats a European giant, I'm not convinced. But good for them, yaar!
J