Alex Morgan says U.S. Men’s World Cup team could exceed expectations, predicts a deep run

Alex Morgan says the U.S. men’s national team must be ready for anything when the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup begins, stressing that roster roles and tournament situations can change quickly. Drawing on her own experience from three World Cups and three Olympics, the retired U.S. women’s national team star said she has seen firsthand how a player can go from starter to bench option, or even from being left off a roster to becoming an important contributor. Her message to the USMNT is to stay prepared at all times because opportunity can come suddenly and expectations can shift from match to match.

Morgan, who won two World Cups with the USWNT, said she believes Mauricio Pochettino’s squad has the ability to make a deep run in the tournament. She noted that she will attend all of the USMNT’s World Cup games in Los Angeles and expressed confidence in the team’s potential. In her view, the side has enough quality to advance far if it handles the pressure well and adapts to the demands of the competition.

Although she is retired from playing, Morgan remains closely connected to soccer and women’s sports. She is active as an investor in women’s sports, a founder of the media company Togethxr, and a full-time soccer mom. She also works with brands tied to this summer’s tournament, including DraftKings, where she serves as an ambassador. Morgan said it is meaningful to see companies investing in female athletes during one of the world’s biggest sporting events, especially as the tournament draws global attention.

Her clearest advice to the USMNT is to begin the World Cup with urgency. Morgan said the team’s first match is crucial and should serve as a strong statement. She warned that teams cannot afford to ease into a tournament of this magnitude or try to recover later after a slow start. Instead, she believes the Americans need to come out aggressively from the opening whistle and establish themselves immediately.

Morgan’s perspective carries weight because she has experienced nearly every possible World Cup role, from one of the team’s most prominent starters to a player waiting for a chance off the bench. That background informs her view that success at the highest level depends not only on talent, but also on readiness, chemistry, and the ability to respond to changing circumstances. For the USMNT, she believes the path forward starts with a strong opening game and a mindset built for quick adjustments, high pressure, and the possibility of going deep into the tournament.