'They have a good shot' - Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey expresses optimism for USMNT chances at 2026 World Cup

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey recently discussed his thoughts on the USMNT's chances at the 2026 World Cup, expressing confidence in the team's potential while maintaining measured expectations. The 30-year-old previously played professional soccer with Toronto FC after being drafted by them before eventually retiring in 2018. He has since joined the NFL and Cowboys as a placekicker, and emphasized the strength of the current player pool and the significant advantage of playing on home soil.

“I think they have a good shot,” Aubrey said on The Overlap US. “They have a lot of really good players, especially in the important positions. You’ve got Pulisic, anything could be possible with him. I played with Brenden Aaronson at Bethlehem Steel, so I’m a huge supporter of his. I want to see him get more minutes. I know he’s right on the cusp there coming off the bench a lot of times.

“I love watching him. [Matt] Turner is another fun story, a convert from baseball. I like them, I think they have a shot of winning, especially with home-field advantage. I don’t think we can expect them to win, but I expect them to be out of the group and hopefully win that first knockout stage game.”

Aubrey's career trajectory is incredible, going from a first-round MLS SuperDraft pick who struggled to establish himself in professional soccer to becoming one of the NFL's most accurate kickers with the Dallas Cowboys. His continued interest and insight into the national team highlights the interconnectedness of American sports culture and the growing prominence of soccer within it.

The USMNT will continue preparations for the 2026 World Cup under head coach Mauricio Pochettino and will come together in September next for international friendlies against South Korea and Japan.