India, June 21 -- Zlatan Ibrahimovic has backed the US to pull off a shock FIFA World Cup 2026 triumph, as the former Sweden striker has ignored traditional heavyweights like Argentina, France, Spain and Brazil. The co-hosts defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their opener and then secured a 2-0 victory against Australia to grab a knockout berth.

Speaking after their victory against Australia, Ibrahimovic was asked if he thought the US had a realistic chance of going all the way; he simply replied, "Yes."

Speaking on Fox Sports, he praised their performance and asked their supporters to believe in the team. "If you didn't believe before, I will repeat; start believing," he said.

"They have the country behind them, and when you have this support, ...