Legendary footballer Zlatan Ibrahimovic has thrown his support behind the United States men's national team, predicting a deep run in the FIFA World Cup 2026 after their impressive 2-0 victory over Australia. The win marked the first time since 1930 that the US has recorded consecutive World Cup victories, igniting optimism among fans and analysts alike.
Ibrahimovic's Endorsement
Speaking on Fox Sports after the match, as reported by Goal.com, Ibrahimovic urged fans to believe in the team. "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," he said. The Swedish icon praised the team's performance, noting that Australia posed little threat. "To be honest, Australia was not a threat today," he added.
Momentum and Confidence
Ibrahimovic emphasized the importance of momentum, stating that pre-tournament form matters less than current performance. "Whatever happened before the World Cup doesn't matter. It is important what happens now. The momentum they have is what they need. They just need to continue bringing confidence from game to game," he explained. With qualification secured, he suggested the US could rest players in the final group match, keeping the squad fresh for the knockout stages.
Historic Victory
The United States secured their place in the knockout stage with a 2-0 win over Australia in Seattle. An early own goal by Cameron Burgess and a well-taken header from Alex Freeman sealed the result, extending the Americans' winning streak to two matches. This achievement marks a significant milestone for US soccer, as back-to-back World Cup wins had not been accomplished since the inaugural tournament in 1930.
Ibrahimovic's backing adds to the growing belief that the US team, with home advantage and rising confidence, could compete for football's biggest prize. The team's next challenge will be to maintain their form as they advance deeper into the tournament.
