Clint Dempsey sets the bar: USMNT must reach knockouts at 2026 World Cup

A s the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, former U.S. men's national team star Clint Dempsey is making it clear that expectations are high for his old squad.

With the tournament set to be hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and the U.S. serving as the central stage for many matches, Dempsey believes there is no room for underperforming . In his eyes, anything short of advancing out of the group stage would be considered a failure.

Dempsey pointed to the momentum the USMNT has built heading into 2026. Closing out 2025, the team went unbeaten in five matches, highlighted by a 5-1 victory over Uruguay. These results, he argued, show that the squad has the quality and confidence to make a significant impact on home soil.

"I think for sure you got to get out of the group," Dempsey said in a recent interview. "Anything less than that would be a failure." His words leave little ambiguity about what he considers a minimum standard for success.

All or nothing: Round-of-16 is the bare minimum

Dempsey acknowledged that progressing beyond the group stage will depend heavily on the tournament draw and matchups. Facing global powerhouses such as Spain, Argentina or France could pose significant challenges, but he believes the U.S. roster has the talent to rise to the occasion if players are in top form.

"It depends on your draw," Dempsey noted, "but saying that, I still think that they get out. I'm not going to put a cap on it. Anything can happen."

Beyond individual talent, Dempsey highlighted the unique advantages of hosting the World Cup. The U.S. will benefit from the energy and support of home crowds across multiple cities, giving players an additional boost.

He also referenced the growing infrastructure, investment in youth development, and increasing global exposure of U.S. soccer as reasons for optimism. All of these elements combine to make the 2026 tournament a historic opportunity for the national team.

Despite the optimism, Dempsey remains grounded about the challenges ahead. While home advantage and a strong squad are assets, the knockout stage of the World Cup is where true tests emerge. High-pressure matches against elite teams will define whether the USMNT can turn promise into results.

As fans gear up for what promises to be a memorable summer of soccer, Dempsey 's message is clear in that advancing from the group stage is just the beginning. Anything less won't be acceptable.