Chris Richards has thrown his weight behind comments made by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, insisting that the idea of the United States men's national team winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup is far from far-fetched.

Ibrahimovic had offered a direct assessment, stating plainly that the USMNT carries a genuine chance to lift the trophy on home soil. Richards, for his part, sees no reason to dismiss that possibility.

The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026, giving the USMNT the advantage of familiar surroundings and a passionate home crowd — a factor that has historically elevated the performances of host nations on the grandest stage in football.