World Cup 2026: Former U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard believes it's 'literally impossible' for USMNT to win tournament

Legendary U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard is not impressed with the USMNT’s chances of winning the 2026 World Cup despite winning its first two matches versus Paraguay and Australia in group play.

On his “Unfiltered Soccer” podcast with former teammate Landon Donovan, the Hall of Famer was skeptical of the U.S. being able to continue its success in the tournament’s round of 32.

"The U.S. cannot, unequivocally, win the World Cup," Howard said while discussing the USMNT’s chances with Donovan. "The U.S. will have to play the greatest game they've ever played... four games in a row — round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, finals.”

“It is literally impossible for the U.S. to win the World Cup,” he added. “That's just the reality."

In its first two matches in Group D play, the U.S. defeated Paraguay 4-1 and Australia 2-0. In both instances, the Americans looked impressive and confident. Perhaps even… dominant? However, those performances did not come against the top teams in the world, which will change after the group stage.

Donovan was more optimistic about the USMNT’s prospects of advancing in the World Cup, but ultimately agreed with Howard’s conclusion.

“Can we? Yes. Has this group proven they can beat a top team? No,” Donovan said. “If they play the way they’re playing, they can absolutely compete with any team in this World Cup. For sure.”

“I’ve said this over and over. Can you do it four times in a row?” he continued. “Can you do it in the round of 16, the quarter, the semi, the final. That is where it gets really hard. But momentum gets going, you never know.”

The U.S. has already advanced to the knockout round with its two victories. But the Stars and Stripes have one last group stage matchup, facing Türkiye on Thursday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Christian Pulisic, who missed the match with Australia due to a calf injury, could be available versus Türkiye. However, with the USMNT’s place in the round of 32 already assured, the team staff may opt to give its star more time to recover.