Clint Dempsey has labeled anything short of advancing to the 2026 World Cup knockout stages a failure, challenging the USMNT to inspire the nation with a historic, record-breaking performance.
U.S. men’s national team legend Clint Dempsey has laid down an uncompromising challenge for the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking on the Men in Blazers podcast, the retired forward insisted that Mauricio Pochettino’s side must, at a minimum, reach the knockout rounds on home soil.
“I’m not going to put a ceiling on their success, but I’m going to put a floor,” Dempsey stated, adding, “Anything less than that is a failure.”
The tournament format, featuring a round of 32 for the first time, provides a new hurdle for the Stars and Stripes.
Dempsey, who represented the U.S. in three World Cups, is urging the current generation to eclipse the modern-era benchmark of a quarterfinal finish set in 2002.
He emphasized the cultural stakes of the tournament, asking: “Can we make this country believe? Can we inspire the next generation? Those are things that will make it a success.”
Managed by Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT will contest Group D against Australia, Paraguay, and a final European qualifier.
The campaign kicks off in Los Angeles on June 12 before moving to Seattle and returning to Southern California.
Dempsey believes the ultimate goal is to surpass all previous American squads, challenging the players: “Go out there and make us proud… can you take it further than any national team has done before?”