Dhaka, Jul 01 (V7N) — The United States has the quality to reach at least the quarter-finals—and potentially the semi-finals—of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Albert R. Seya.
In an interview with Jamuna Television on Tuesday, the U.S. diplomat said the country is proud to host football fans from around the world, although hosting the tournament has also brought added expectations for the national team.
The United States has appeared in the FIFA World Cup 12 times. Its best performance remains reaching the semi-finals in the inaugural 1930 tournament. The country has hosted the competition twice before—in 1994 and now again in 2026.
With the United States already through to the Round of 32, Seya expressed confidence that the team can make a deep run in the tournament.
"When we hosted the World Cup in 1994, simply participating was a joy," he said. "This time, the situation is different. Football culture in the United States has matured tremendously. I have attended five men's and one women's World Cups, and it has been remarkable to see the sport's growth in our country."
He added that the enthusiastic support from fans has strengthened his belief in the team's potential.
"Our best achievement in the modern era is reaching the quarter-finals. I believe this team can at least match that and has the ability to reach the semi-finals. With strong support, the right strategy and a little luck, any team can make history. I firmly believe the United States will win the World Cup in my lifetime," Seya said.
Meanwhile, Scott Hartman shared a personal football memory, recalling that he once played with Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazário during his childhood while visiting relatives in Rio de Janeiro.
"I am half Brazilian. When I was a child, I was playing football with friends near the beach in Rio de Janeiro, and Ronaldo joined us for about half an hour. It is a moment I will never forget," Hartman said.
Hartman also identified defending champions Argentina national football team, five-time champions Brazil national football team and France national football team as leading contenders for the title, while saying a quarter-final appearance would represent a significant achievement for the United States.
Both diplomats noted that while the U.S. women's national team has long been a dominant force in world football, the men's team is steadily progressing toward becoming a global contender as well.
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