Story by
Brazil legend Kaka tips USA to reach semi-finals of World Cup
- Story by
- Brazil legend Kaka tips USA to reach semi-finals of World Cup
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images
Former AC Milan and Real Madrid star Kaka has high hopes for the United States Men's National Team at the 2026 World Cup.
As one of the host nations, the USA did not have to qualify for the tournament and were placed directly into Group D.
Advertisement
They will compete alongside Australia , Paraguay and Turkey over the next month or so as they aim to achieve their best run at a World Cup for many years.
On paper, the USMNT should fancy their chances of making it out of a group that does not have any huge teams in it, but Brazilian legend Kaka thinks the US will go much further than that, tipping them to reach the semi-finals.
Photo by Marcio Machado – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Kaka predicts USA will reach semi-finals of World Cup
Speaking to The Athletic this week, the former midfielder was asked a number of questions about the 2026 World Cup and previous tournaments.
He tipped Spain star Lamine Yamal to be the Player of the Tournament, and made a bold prediction for the US.
Advertisement
Kaka said: "The US Men's National Team for me will reach the semi-finals."
The Brazilian went on to pick his home country to be crowned World Cup winners this summer.
The USA's best finish at a World Cup
But even if the USA do not make it to the final in 2026, reaching the last four would be quite the achievement in itself.
The USMNT first competed at the World Cup back in 1930 when only 13 teams were involved.
They managed to secure third place at that tournament, but have since struggled to reach those heights again in the following years, now that a lot more nations have been involved.
Advertisement
In 2022, they were able to make it into the Round of 16 before losing 3-1 to the Netherlands.
Prior to that, their best finish outside of 1930 came in 2002. The USA progressed to the quarter-finals that year, where they were bested 1-0 by Germany .
Read more: Why the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony won't be held in the US
