The United States men's national team notched its first back-to-back World Cup wins in nearly a century, defeating Australia in front of a subdued Canberra crowd. The victory has reignited chatter about the squad's potential, with soccer legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic publicly stating his belief that the USMNT can win the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
The win marks a historic milestone for American soccer, coming nearly 100 years after the team last achieved consecutive World Cup triumphs. The result also signals a shift in the global perception of the USMNT, which has long struggled to gain respect in international football circles. Ibrahimovic's endorsement, while not official, adds a notable voice to the growing noise around the team's trajectory.
Online reaction was swift and emphatic, with memes celebrating the victory under the banner "It's Called Soccer!" — a playful jab at the sport's naming conventions outside the United States. The Breitbart report highlighted the cultural moment, noting that the back-to-back wins have changed the tone of the conversation around American soccer, which has historically been dismissed on the world stage.
In Canberra, the Australian home crowd was subdued by their team's lackluster performance, though some fans directed their frustration at figures unrelated to the match, including booing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during the event, according to Politico. The crowd's response underscores the intersection of sports and politics in the host nation.
Brazil, meanwhile, secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Haiti, with Vinícius Júnior continuing to stake his claim as the team's star. Neymar's presence at the tournament was partly owed to Rodrygo's injury, adding a layer of drama to Brazil's campaign. The USMNT's win sets up an intriguing narrative as the tournament progresses, though critics caution that back-to-back wins alone do not guarantee deep runs against top-tier opponents.