It's still 'quarterfinals or bust' for USMNT despite tough World Cup path
Yahoo Sports Daily hosts Caroline Fenton and Jason Fitz are joined by former USA men's soccer player and World Cup contributor Taylor Twellman to discuss the U.S. men's national team's expectations heading into the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Watch the full episode of Yahoo Sports Daily on YouTube or YahooSports.TV .
Video Transcript
So in front of you is the USMNT path to winning the World Cup, and it starts with a matchup against Bosnia.
What do we think of this matchup against Bosnia?
If the US win the World Cup, it is the greatest accomplishment in the history of sports.
Spain, France, Argentina, three of the top four teams in the world.
Three of the top four favorites in the world.
So that's why I listed that.
When people talk about winning the World Cup, it does show some ignorance.
Because in order to win the World Cup, you've gotta do that.
And they I'm not saying they can't, I'm not saying it's impossible, but that will be the greatest accomplishment in sports if that happens.
And that's why everyone's gotta just calm that calm You know what?
Calm down.
Relax.
You got Bosnia, which is a tough out.
They beat Italy in the World Cup playoff.
They are a tough out.
They'll be better than Australia in defending.
They'll be tactically smarter than Paraguay.
And while everyone's talking about can you beat Bo- I'm not saying the United States isn't favored, but Fitz, we just, very quickly our American comes through and we're like, "Well, look at that path.
It's very doable."
And I'm looking at it going, "Wait a- did, did we forget about Spain, France, Argentina?"
Like, let's just beat Bosnia first and let us party until July 6 when we more than likely play Belgium.
What now would you consider to be success for USMNT?
Quarterfinal.
It's always been quarterfinal or bust, and I, and I've never changed that.
and I won't now after seeing the ring.
I don't care if you play, Belgium or Senegal.
You beat Senegal in a tuneup game.
And quite honestly, this Belgian team, as good as they are, yes, they beat you in a friendly in March, but the reality is you've got the home crowd, they're older, they're not completely fit.
De Bruyne has been kind of run into the ground a little bit to get them into that spot, into the group stage and all of that.
So I, it's quarterfinal or-
