Former U.S. soccer star Alexi Lalas has criticized members of the U.S. Men\u2019s National Team for discussing pressure ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling them \u201ca bunch of whiners\u201d as expectations rise for the host nation.<\/p>\n
Speaking during a Fox Sports event promoting its World Cup coverage, Lalas dismissed concerns surrounding the pressure of playing on home soil and said today\u2019s U.S. players have been given every opportunity to succeed.<\/p>\n
\u201cCry me a river when it comes to the pressure,\u201d Lalas said. \u201cThis is a generation that has been given absolutely everything both on and off the field in terms of resources, opportunities and pathways.\u201d<\/p>\n
The outspoken former defender, who played for the United States during the 1994 World Cup hosted in America, said he expects more from the current squad and believes the team should comfortably advance from the group stage.<\/p>\n
The comments come after Christian Pulisic acknowledged earlier this year that pressure exists heading into the tournament but insisted he and the team are ready to handle it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s pressure, I feel it,\u201d Pulisic said in March. \u201cBut it\u2019s nothing that I can\u2019t handle.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lalas also offered a mixed assessment of Pulisic, praising his talent while questioning his leadership qualities. The AC Milan forward has struggled recently, failing to score in his last 18 Serie A matches and enduring his longest scoring drought with the national team since 2024.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s well on his way to becoming the best male American soccer player in history,\u201d Lalas said. \u201cBut he\u2019s never going to be the leader people want him to be \u2014 and that\u2019s OK. He needs to be the star this team requires.\u201d<\/p>\n
The former U.S. international believes the Americans should at least reach the Round of 16 at the expanded 2026 World Cup and potentially challenge for a quarterfinal spot with the support of home fans.<\/p>\n
The tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, runs from June 11 to July 19 and will feature an expanded 48-team format.<\/p>\n
During the Fox Sports panel discussion, several football personalities shared their World Cup predictions. Carli Lloyd and Stu Holden backed France to win the tournament, while host Rebecca Lowe and former Mexican striker Javier Hern\u00e1ndez tipped England.<\/p>\n
Lalas jokingly said he was rooting for \u201canybody but England,\u201d warning that an English World Cup victory on American soil would be unbearable during the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, retired Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovi\u0107 challenged the panel for lacking confidence in the U.S. team, urging them to boldly predict an American World Cup triumph.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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