Zlatan Ibrahimovic stared into the camera and did not flinch.One of the biggest names in football was asked if the United States could win its first World Cup in 2026. Ibrahimovic (third from right) has gone viral several times since the World Cup startedGettyZlatan reveals feelings about USA Ibrahimovic responded with one simple word.“Yes,” said Ibrahimovic, who starred for AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and LA Galaxy during his 22-year career.The FOX World Cup analyst also delivered a strong message to USMNT fans following a 2-0 win over Australia that propelled Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad into the Round of 32 knockout stage.“If you didn’t believe before, I will repeat: Start believing,” Ibrahimovic said. “They have the country behind them, and when you have this support, it’s difficult to beat you.”That was obvious in Seattle, when Alex Freeman’s gutsy goal at the 43-minute mark as well as an early own goal by Alex Burgess captured a fiery 2-0 win over the Socceroos.While Christian Pulisic healed a calf injury, Pochettino’s team dominated possession and wasn’t threatened until late in the second half.Fans loved hearing Ibrahimovic pump up USMNT — just like they’ve enjoyed watching him trade barbs with former USMNT star Alexi Lalas.Fans loved hearing Zlatan support USMNT“There’s only one Zlatan,” one fan tweeted. “Surprisingly, that seemed like an honest answer and not one forced on him by execs or contracts. That’s freaking insane!” a second fan posted. Ibrahimovic thinks USMNT can go all the way this summergettyFreeman was overjoyed after a review made it 2-0 USMNT vs Australiagetty“I already liked you, Zlatan, don’t make me love you,” a third fan wrote. “If Zlatan can convince himself, maybe we’ll all believe it, too,” a fourth fan said.Mike Grella, a New York native and former Leeds forward, is also a huge believer in USMNT’s World Cup chances.“There’s no shot Australia can compete with the US,” Grella said.He was right on Friday, and USMNT fans shouted Pochettino’s name after a second consecutive victory.Zlatan sounded like a proud USMNT supporter after the match — and he believes the main host country of the 2026 World Cup can win it all for the first time on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. Pochettino’s team faces Turkiye on Thursday at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.World Cup WhatsAppDon't miss an update from talkSPORT in our dedicated World Cup WhatsApp channel.Search for ‘talkSPORT World Cup’ in your ‘Updates’ tab on WhatsApp and we’ll drop the proper, unfiltered football chat straight to your lock screen—no fluff, just pure talkSPORT energy.It’s where you’ll find out all the new rules to watch out for, England and Scotland reaction and big match player ratings. Plus there will be loads of debates on the biggest talking points as Haaland, Mbappe, Kane and the biggest names in football descend on America, Canada and Mexico.Stay up to date on all things USMNT across our talkSPORT platforms – subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest news, opinion, exclusive interviews and our daily unfiltered, unscripted show ‘The S* Word, from 8am ET.All 104 games at the 2026 World Cup this summer will be live on talkSPORT, talkSPORT 2 and the talkSPORT app.