USMNT, Mexico dealt reality check by Concacaf legend before World Cup

As the World Cup approaches, assessments of how both the United States and Mexico—co-hosts alongside Canada—might perform are intensifying. For Marcelo Balboa, a USMNT legend, it’s clear that neither country can realistically aim to win the tournament.

“To say that Mexico or the United States can win a World Cup, they would need a lot of luck. We don’t have that player who can change a game. We have Christian Pulisic, but look at the recent world champions—they all have that special player,” he said.

“The United States is a team that, if they come together and play as a group, can be dangerous. The same goes for Mexico, but to say that either Mexico or the U.S. has what it takes to win a World Cup—well, you never know what can happen, but it’s very difficult; very unlikely that either of those countries wins this tournament,” he admitted.

Balboa also highlighted the inclusion in Pochettino’s final squad of Alejandro Zendejas, who chose to represent the United States over Mexico. “He’s a good player, playing very well in Liga MX, someone who can change a game. For me, it was the right decision,” he said.

Balboa expects at least a quarterfinal run

Marcelo Balboa was one of the standout U.S. players of the 1990s. He played in both MLS and Liga MX, and also had a stint with Lyon in France’s Ligue 1. He appeared in three World Cups (1990, 1994, and 1998) and earned more than 120 caps with the USMNT.

“I can go back to the 1990 World Cup. If we hadn’t qualified for that tournament, who knows what would have happened. We had to open the world’s eyes in 1994,” he told The California Post. “Now this generation has to prove they can win here,” he added.

“If we don’t get out of the group stage, it would be a total disaster. This team has enough quality to reach the quarterfinals. Great players step up on the big stage. We’ll see if Pulisic can overcome his struggles in these two friendlies before the World Cup,” he said.

“I’m a bit surprised that we keep getting knocked out in the Round of 16. I’d like to see the United States reach the top and go beyond it. I hope they can do it this summer,” he concluded.