Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes the United States can win the World Cup this summer after USA beat Australia 2-0 in Seattle, a result that sends Mauricio Pochettino’s side into the last-32 with a group game to spare. Ibrahimovic pointed to the surge of support acr
Seattle’s afternoon noise never really faded after USA’s 2-0 win over Australia on Friday. It spilled off the stands and into the post-match coverage—big enough that even the Fox crew on the ground. which included Ibrahimovic’s colleague and nemesis Alexi Lalas. were practically drowned out by thousands of American fans chanting in the background.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic didn’t hide his belief when the celebrations were still fresh. He told Fox shortly after the victory: “If you didn’t believe before, I will repeat; start believing.”
USA surged in front early when Australian defender Cameron Burgess scored an own goal. The second came through Alex Freeman, whose brave header to make it 2-0 needed confirmation by video replay before the team erupted into a wild celebration on the field.
The win was historic in a way that matters to the numbers. It was the first time since 1930 that the USA have won two straight World Cup games. It also secured their place in the last-32 knockout round with a group game to spare.
Ibrahimovic said the difference now is not just tactics or talent—it’s the momentum and backing swelling across the country. “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,” he said.
He then framed the tournament as something the team has to carry forward, game after game. “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.”
When asked by Rebecca Lowe for a one-word answer on whether the United States could win the World Cup, Ibrahimovic didn’t hedge. “Yes.”
Pochettino’s squad may be ahead in the standings, but the path ahead still has its demands. Christian Pulisic did not take to the field against Australia due to a minor calf issue. It remains to be seen if he will be available for the final group game against Turkey in Los Angeles next Thursday. With qualification already secured. Ibrahimovic suggested there is less pressure on Pulisic to rush back. saying the USA can rest some players now that they have qualified.
Still, even with advancement effectively locked in, the group’s final shape isn’t meaningless. USA can clinch top spot in their group with a win. which would set up a knockout match against a third-place opponent. If they finish second, they risk a more difficult showdown against European heavyweights Belgium.
Pochettino echoed the focus on support and performance after the match. “I think it was a fantastic game again, very good first half. I think we dominated the game against a very tough team,” he said. He added: “I was saying yesterday Argentina have amazing fans, but I think we are matching Argentina. Our fans, I’m so happy for them.”.
For Ibrahimovic. who played most of his career in Europe with giants including Manchester United. Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan. this tournament has clearly struck a nerve closer to home. He did have a brief spell in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles Galaxy. but nothing—at least not in his telling—compared to the atmosphere that followed Friday’s victory in Seattle.
By the time USA finished the job against Australia, it wasn’t only a scoreline that changed. It was belief, backed by millions watching and a stadium full of noise telling the same story from the inside.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic USA vs Australia Seattle World Cup 2026 Mauricio Pochettino Cameron Burgess own goal Alex Freeman header Christian Pulisic calf issue Turkey Belgium last-32