The USA placed itself in a favorable World Cup group in 2026
‘Outkick Hot Mic’ podcast host Jonathan Hutton joins ‘Pakinomist Live’ to discuss the USA’s 2026 World Cup berth, his predictions for the upcoming college football playoffs and more.
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Former US women’s soccer star Megan Rapinoe mocked the US men’s national soccer team’s World Cup campaign in a recent podcast episode last week.
The US team unveiled “Never Chase Reality” as their campaign heading into the 2026 World Cup. The 90-second film featured narration by Marcello Hernandez. The team said in a release that “‘Never Chase Reality’ reflects the journey to 26 for the men’s national team.”
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Megan Rapinoe (15) warms up before the NWSL Championship semifinal match against San Diego Wave FC at Snapdragon Stadium on November 5, 2023. (Ray Acevedo/USA TODAY Sports)
Rapinoe touched on it during the latest episode of “A Touch More” with her partner Sue Bird and sportscaster Katie Nolan.
“The team’s slogan going into the World Cup, this was like their tipping point, and their slogan is ‘Never chase reality’.” I mean, guys, I don’t think it says what you think it says,” Rapinoe said. “I’m kind of like, why didn’t we just stick with ‘dream big?’
“To me, that said you already think you’re no good. So I didn’t like that.”
Hernandez shares what the campaign means to him.
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The United States Men’s National Team starting eleven ahead of an international friendly against Uruguay at Raymond James Stadium on November 18, 2025. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)
“This campaign isn’t just about football; it’s about the American dream. Never chasing reality means ignoring the odds and daring to dream,” he said in the release. “I’ve played soccer since I was four years old until college and have been a fan of the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams since I was a kid, so it’s an honor to bring my passion and enthusiasm for the game to U.S. Soccer.”
The reality is that the US men’s soccer team has not been very successful on the world stage despite the team being considered the “Golden Generation”.
The USA reached the knockout stage in 2022, even tied with England in group play, but lost to the Netherlands. The USA reached the quarterfinals in 2002.
The Group D line-up will be shown during the FIFA World Cup 2026 fixture unveiling in Washington on Saturday 6 December 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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In June, the United States will battle for a place in the knockout stages with Paraguay and Australia, and whichever team makes it through the UEFA playoffs.
