US Players Embrace Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Belief That a World Cup Title Is Possible: ‘That’s Our Mindset’

With two wins from two matches to open the World Cup, the United States men’s national team has gained a high-profile believer: Zlatan Ibrahimovic. When asked on Fox’s postgame broadcast whether he thinks the co-hosts can win the tournament, the Swedish legend gave a straightforward reply: “Yes.”

After Friday’s 2-0 victory over Australia, US players were asked about Ibrahimovic’s comments. Their response was unanimous: Why not?

“I don’t think it’s ridiculous,” said defender Chris Richards. “We want to lift a trophy by the end of this.”

His fellow center-back, Auston Trusty, shared the same sentiment.

“That’s our mindset,” Trusty said. “I don’t think you enter this tournament without that mentality. To have [Ibrahimovic] say that about us is amazing. But I’m sure he knows, just like we do, it’s game by game.”

If the US are to make a deep run—Friday’s win already secured their place in the knockout stage—much of the credit will go to the breakout performance of Alex Freeman. The 21-year-old defender, now at Villarreal after rising through MLS with Orlando City, has been a revelation at this World Cup. Playing on the right side of a three-man backline, Freeman scored the second goal to seal Friday’s win. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but was confirmed after a lengthy VAR review.

“I think you dream of this moment,” said Freeman, the son of Super Bowl champion Antonio Freeman. “For it to finally happen with such a support system to celebrate it makes it even more special. When it was confirmed, I saw all my teammates running and thought: ‘I’ve got to run away—they’re going to tackle me!’”

US head coach Mauricio Pochettino stated at his introductory press conference that his goal is to win the World Cup with the United States. After Friday’s match, he praised not only Freeman but also the system that developed him.

“The evolution is massive,” Pochettino said. “He has the potential to be one of the best players in his position in the world. He’s a humble guy with an amazing profile. He wants to learn. He always listens… you really enjoy being with him.”

The US men’s best finish at a World Cup was third place in the tournament’s inaugural edition in 1930. Their best result in the modern era came in 2002, when they reached the quarterfinals.