Tim Howard calls it 'impossible' for USA to win the 2026 World Cup despite strong start

Landon Donovan and Colin Cowherd react to the news that Christian Pulisic will miss USA vs. Australia, and they discuss the USMNT’s chances to win back-to-back World Cup games for the first time since 1930. Plus, they preview the matchup between Brazil and Haiti.

Former U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper Tim Howard understands the early success this group has in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he doesn’t think they will be hoisting any trophy by the end of the tournament.

In fact, Howard believes it’s "impossible" for them to win the World Cup.

"The U.S. cannot, unequivocally, win the World Cup," he said on his "Unfiltered Soccer" podcast alongside former USMNT teammate Landon 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.

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Tim Howard, goalkeeper for the United States, plays during a game against Azerbaijan at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California, on May 27, 2014. (Michael Burns/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

"It’s literally impossible for the U.S. to win the World Cup. That’s just the reality."

Donovan, though, was a bit more optimistic than the Hall of Fame goalie.

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

USA WORLD CUP TEAM CLINCHES SPOT IN KNOCKOUT STAGE AFTER ANOTHER HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VS AUSTRALIA

Thus far, the USMNT has had strong victories against Paraguay, a 4-1 victory that marked the most goals scored by Team USA in a World Cup match. Then, they followed it up with a commanding 2-0 win over Australia this past