Clint Dempsey predicts USMNT might exit World Cup in Round of 16
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 12:00 PM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
The 2026 World Cup begins later this week with the USA hoping for a strong performance as one of the host nations. The USA is placed in Group D with Paraguay, Turkey, and Australia. Clint Dempsey, a former USMNT player, predicts the team could exit in the Round of 16, matching their performance from the 2022 World Cup. Dempsey acknowledged the possibility of advancing past the Round of 32 but expressed skepticism about the team's success in the subsequent knockout rounds. Their final group standing will influence the matchups in the knockout stages.
- •USMNT drawn in Group D with Paraguay, Turkey, and Australia.
- •Dempsey believes the team may reach the Round of 16.
- •A strong group finish is necessary for a favorable knockout draw.
- •USMNT's previous performance in 2022 ended in a Round of 16 exit.
- 12:00 PMYahoo Sports — Clint Dempsey predicts when the USMNT will be knocked out of the World Cup, ‘hopefully I’m wrong’
"The 2026 World Cup kicks off later this week, and the USA will be hoping for a deep run in the tournament, given that they are one of the host nations. Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been drawn in Group D alongside Paraguay, Turkey and Australia, which is a group they should probably be qualifying from.
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