Tim Howard Assures The USMNT Will Defeat Australia in the 2026 FIFA World CuP

The former goalkeeper trusts in the cohesion achieved by Pochettino and anticipates that the USMNT will win all three of their group matches.

Victory against Paraguay

The United States national team is having a dream start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 4–1 victory against Paraguay not only left goals and spectacle but also signs of identity that excite their fans. The icing on the cake was Gio Reyna's stunning trivela goal in the last second of stoppage time, an exquisite finish that nestled into the corner post after a sequence of 26 passes, reflecting the team's fluidity and cohesion.

The key factor, according to Howard

However, for Tim Howard, historic goalkeeper of the USMNT in three World Cups, the most important thing was not the technique of the goal, but the unity shown by the team. "What I saw was unity, and that is fundamental for me," he explained in an interview with the American magazine SI. Howard highlighted how starters, substitutes in yellow vests, and Mauricio Pochettino himself ran together to the corner flag to celebrate, a gesture that symbolizes the collective identity the Argentine coach managed to instill in just 18 months of work.

Howard emphasized that this group, which did not go through qualifiers as hosts, found under Pochettino a competitive spirit and a chemistry that makes it different. The victory against Paraguay was a display of character and a defined style, with high pressure, patient circulation, and an attack that knew how to strike at the right moments.

Convinced about victory

Looking ahead to the next match against Australia, Howard anticipates a physical and demanding game, but he is convinced that the United States will impose its style of play. "I think this team is going to win all three group matches. They already beat Paraguay, they will beat Australia, and also Turkey. I am sure they will go far in this World Cup," he stated confidently.

The message from the former goalkeeper summarizes the atmosphere surrounding the USMNT beyond individual talents; what excites is the cohesion and sense of belonging. At home and with a defined style, the United States seeks to establish itself as a contender and prove that this generation is ready to take the definitive leap.