Thierry Henry: Semifinals A 'Possibility' For USA At 2026 World Cup

Could the United States men's national team really make the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup this upcoming summer? That's what FOX Sports' newest analyst and soccer legend Thierry Henry believes — under one condition.

"You’ve got to believe that you can do it," Henry said in his first appearance with FOX Sports on Friday. "It’s how you come out of it and how you’re going to bring people along so that the whole country can believe in them. Then, you can go places."

The furthest the U.S. has ever advanced at the World Cup was at the inaugural 13-team tournament in 1930. It made it to the semifinals but lost to Argentina 6-1. Since then, the highest finish for the U.S. at the World Cup was the quarterfinals at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

Thierry Henry makes FOX Soccer Debut Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw

 In order for that to change this summer, Henry says the team needs to "connect with the country" as one of the host nations.

"For me, it’s simple: If you don’t come out of the group stage, it would be a catastrophe," Henry said. "And after that, it’s how you come out of it. Did you make a connection with the public? When the public can relate to the team, I think the team can become unstoppable.

"I think, with the quality of the team — and really, I know I’m going out there — quarterfinals and maybe semis are a possibility. It depends on how they connect with the country and the belief of the country in the team."

The United States will discover its path to World Cup glory at The Final Draw on Friday.

2026 World Cup Draw Live Updates, Results: Who'll Be USA's Opponents?

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